Acerbo Law Flashcards
When was the law passed?
18th November 1923
What did the law state
The law stated that whichever party obtained the greatest number of votes (or whoever obtained at least 25% of the vote) two thirds of the seats in Parliament, even if they did not receive two thirds of the vote.
Why was the law needed?
The political instability at the time of the 1921 election meant many didn’t trust in the proportional representation system with all except the Socialists and the Poplari (they benefitted most from it), therefore the fascists wanted modification to the system.
Mussolini could also only trust the support of 35 Fascist deputies and 10 Nationalists.
Why was it named “Acerbo Law”
The law is named after Fascist deputy Giacomo Acerbo who proposed the law
How did the law consolidate Mussolini’s power
The law was supported by well known liberal politicians - Giolitti, Salandra & Orlando. The law allowed Mussolini to construct his vote winning coalition made up of leading liberals, former nationalists and some Poplari members which made those people government-sponsored candidates and therefore gave Mussolini’s gov a majority.
What were the results of the 1924 election
Mussolini and his party won by 374 seats & 64.94% of the vote followed by the Peoples’ Party - 39 seats, 9.01% of the vote.
How long did the law remain in place?
The Law remained in place until 1926 after Italy became a One Party State, making the law obsolete. It was only used in the 1924 election.
