The steps of the «long journey towards a federal system»

Unitary State and Territorial Cleavages

• The Italian state was initially structured as a centralized entity, yet it exhibited distinct territorial divisions that complicated governance.

• Italian unification was primarily the result of agreements between elites from pre-existing states, setting it apart from the grassroots federalism seen in the U.S. or the robust central administration in France. This top-down approach influenced the dynamics of governance.

• Municipal authorities held significant importance, fostering strong local identities among citizens, which often overshadowed national sentiment.

• Spanning from the period of unification to the rise of the Fascist regime, the Italian political system strived for cohesion but struggled to forge a unified political community, indicative of persistent regional disparities and loyalties.

Localism

• A pronounced absence of strong national sentiment was evident, reflecting deeper regional attachments. This sentiment was captured by D’Azeglio’s famous quote, "We made Italy, now let’s make Italians,” underscoring the challenge of creating a unified national identity post-unification.

• Scholars have highlighted significant territorial differences that posed challenges to state consolidation, including variations in economic development, social structures, and cultural norms. These differences impacted the effectiveness of central policies and governance.