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AP Italian
Unit 6 Overview and Possible Prompts: Challenges in Italy
6.1 Economy
6.2 Environment
6.3 Migrations and Borders
6.4 Politics
6.5 Health and Well-Being

🇮🇹ap italian review

6.4 Politics

Verified for the 2025 AP Italian exam•Last Updated on June 18, 2024

The government of Italy is a republic (Repubblica), which allows the people to vote for their leaders. The citizens, especially the youth population, attempt to gain as much political knowledge as possible because they want their voices to carry enormous power. Some of the prominent issues include immigration, taxation, and social reform.

Political Parties

  • Five Star - Italy-centric, skeptical of European affairs, pragmatic approach to policymaking, anti-immigration, would repeal as many as 400 laws if elected
  • Democratic Party (party in power)- conservative political agenda, pro-European, plans to abolish TV licenses, the payment for television reception
  • Forza Italia - center-right party, low taxes, flat tax = single tax, anti-immigration
  • Lega Nord - anti-immigration, tough stance on crime, legalize brothels, improve relations with Russia

Italy vs USA - Politics Edition

Italy - repubblica, membro del gruppo di European Union, popolazione è molto vecchia, la maggior parte delle persone che vota è gli anziani, il problema più proprio grave è l'immigrazione, i giovani italiani partecipano di più alla vita politica del loro Paese, molti italiani sono arrabbiati perché’ l’economia è debole e loro non possono trovare un lavoro facilmente

USA - democrazia, le politiche sono più intense perché i candidati provano danneggiare la reputazione di altri, il problema più proprio grave e' l'inquinamento, ci sono più combattimenti, dibattiti, eventi, marchi e rally, è diverso per gli americani perché dopo si laureano all'università, ci sono opportunità per trovare i loro sogni

BOTH - molte persone preferiscono discutere i temi di politica in privata, la televisione è il modo importante per ricevere i nuovi eventi, le elezioni sono i grandi eventi, E’ difficile per le

persone si impegnano perché il lavoro è impegnativo, alcune persone credono di avere un impegno sociale per impegnarsi, è importante che tutti i giovani si uniscono per mobilitare l’opinione pubblica sul problema

Volunteer Work

Volunteer work is a way for individuals to get involved in their communities and connect with different people as they work toward addressing some of the major issues plaguing their country. It can be difficult to find the time in the day to volunteer, but it is a great way to help those in need and to get one's voice and message heard. 

In Italy:

  • L'economia è molto debole nel paese così molti giovani scelgono impegnarsi con la clima politica
  • Ci sono molti initiative nei paesi per proteggere l’ambiente
  • Il problema è molto serio con le persone bisognose perché c'è un alto tasso di disoccupazione- Specialmente nelle grande città, ci sono molte persone bisognose (i alcolista, i senzatetti, i tossicodipendenti, i disabili)
  • C'è un divario enorme tra il nord e il sud - Il nord — le persone fanno volontariato di più perché hanno più risorse- Il sud — le persone non hanno accesso a tecnologia o risorse per aiutare e loro hanno bisogno di aiuto nelle loro comunità
  • La gente prova mantenere la bellezza della struttura fisica e l’ambiente perché sono importanti alla cultura in Italia
  • Alcune persone credono che abbiano un impegno sociale per impegnarsi con i problemi di oggiCultural center that launched an initiative to help elderly people
A cultural center that launched an initiative to help elderly people, Image Courtesy of DW

Strive for Five Vocab 🔑 🔑

  • L'alcolista - alcoholic
  • Il bisognoso - needy person
  • Il carcerato - prisoner
  • La casa di riposo - retirement home
  • Il disabile - disabled person
  • Fare beneficenza - to donate
  • L'impegno sociale - social obligation
  • Il recupero - recovery, rescue
  • Il/la senzatetto - homeless person
  • Il volontario/ la volontaria - volunteer
  • Il volontariato - volunteer work
  • La beneficenza - charity
  • Impegnarsi - to get involved
  • Impegnativo/a - challenging, time-consuming, demanding
  • La solidarietà - solidarity, support

Key Terms to Review (11)

Democratic Party: The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States, traditionally representing liberal and progressive ideologies. Founded in the early 19th century, the party has evolved over time, focusing on issues like social justice, healthcare reform, and environmental protection, and appealing to a diverse coalition of voters, including minorities, women, and young people.
Disoccupazione: Disoccupazione refers to the state of being unemployed, where individuals who are willing and able to work cannot find suitable employment. This phenomenon can be influenced by various political, economic, and social factors, and it often serves as a key indicator of the overall health of an economy. The political landscape plays a significant role in shaping labor policies and economic strategies that impact employment rates.
Divario nord-sud: Divario nord-sud refers to the economic, social, and political disparities between Northern and Southern Italy. This divide is characterized by the wealthier, industrialized northern regions compared to the less developed, agricultural southern regions, leading to significant differences in quality of life, employment opportunities, and infrastructure.
Flat Tax: A flat tax is a taxation system that imposes a single fixed tax rate on all taxpayers, regardless of their income level. This system contrasts with progressive tax systems, where the tax rate increases as income rises. The flat tax is often promoted for its simplicity and efficiency, making it easier for individuals and businesses to understand their tax obligations.
Five Star: Five Star is a populist political movement in Italy, founded in 2009 by comedian Beppe Grillo and activist Gianroberto Casaleggio. It aims to challenge the traditional political establishment by promoting direct democracy, environmentalism, and anti-corruption measures, appealing to citizens' frustrations with conventional parties.
Forza Italia: Forza Italia is a center-right political party in Italy, founded by Silvio Berlusconi in 1994. The party emerged as a significant force in Italian politics during the 1990s, advocating for free-market policies, tax cuts, and a reduction in government intervention in the economy. It has played a crucial role in shaping modern Italian political dynamics and has been part of several coalition governments.
Impegno sociale: Impegno sociale refers to the commitment and active engagement of individuals or groups in activities aimed at promoting social change, justice, and welfare. This concept is deeply connected to civic responsibility and the belief that citizens have a role in improving their communities and society as a whole. It often involves participation in political processes, volunteering, advocacy for marginalized groups, and initiatives that aim to address social issues such as poverty, inequality, and human rights.
L'economia: L'economia refers to the system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services within a society. It encompasses various sectors such as agriculture, industry, and services, and is influenced by political decisions, market forces, and cultural factors. Understanding l'economia is crucial for analyzing how resources are allocated and how economic policies affect social welfare.
Lega Nord: Lega Nord, or Northern League, is a regionalist political party in Italy that emerged in the late 1980s. Initially focused on representing the interests of Northern Italy, it advocated for greater autonomy and even independence from the central government in Rome. Over time, the party has evolved to encompass broader nationalist themes while maintaining its regional roots, influencing Italian politics significantly, especially regarding immigration and federalism.
Repubblica: A Repubblica, or republic, is a form of government in which the country is considered a 'public matter' and is not the private concern or property of the rulers. In a republic, officials are accountable to the public and must govern according to existing constitutional law that limits the government's power over citizens. This concept is crucial in shaping modern political systems and plays a significant role in the development of cultural identities and societal norms.
Volontariato: Volontariato refers to the practice of volunteering, where individuals offer their time and skills without pay to help others or support a cause. This selfless act contributes to social welfare and community improvement, often reflecting a society's values and priorities regarding civic engagement and responsibility.
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6.5 Health and Well-Being