From political direction to administration
At the outset, the State Congress had a purely advisory role. Over the course of the 20th century it gathered prerogatives and responsibilities, until it became, from 1945, the government of the Republic. Today it sets general policy, dictates the guidelines of the administration and of international relations, exercises the power of legislative initiative and issues resolutions, regulations and proposals for emergency decrees.
The most prestigious portfolio is traditionally the Secretariat of State for Foreign Affairs, customarily entrusted to the political leader of the majority coalition. The State Congress is convened and chaired by the Captains Regent.
| Secretariat | Main subjects |
|---|---|
| Foreign Affairs | Foreign policy, international economic cooperation, planning |
| Internal Affairs | Civil protection, implementation of the government programme |
| Finance and Budget | Postal services, relations with the Philatelic and Numismatic Office |
| Industry and Crafts | Trade, research, relations with the Public Services Authority (AASS) |
| Territory and Environment | Agriculture, relations with the State Production Authority |
| Tourism | Sport, telecommunications, transport, economic cooperation |
| Health | Social security, welfare, equal opportunities |
| Education and Culture | University, cultural institutes, information, research |
| Labour and Cooperation | Youth policies |
| Justice | Relations with the Giunte di Castello, information, peace |
| Maximum total | 10 Secretaries of State |
How decisions are taken
The State Congress takes decisions by resolution. The most significant measures take the form of regulations or draft emergency decrees, submitted for signature to the Regency. The legislative process for a draft law provides for examination by the relevant Council Commission and approval by the Great and General Council in a plenary sitting.