CONSTITUTION OF FLORENCE IN THE FIFTEENTH
AND SIXTEENTH CENTURIES.
I. Based on System of Guilds (since 1282), cf. Von Reumont, Lorenzo de Medici, vol. i. pp. 15 and 67. Villari, Florence, p. 312 ff.
Seven Greater Arti = Popolo Grasso.
Fourteen Lesser Arti = Popolo Minuto.
Each with its Council, Consuls, and Proconsuls. Number of eligible citizens (Statuali), some 5000 out of 100,000.
II. Executive.—The College, composed of Signory and Collegi—I tre Maggiori (offices).
(1) Signoría appointed for two months. Its members (unpaid with exception of its Secretary, and Chancellor), lived in Palazzo Publico at public cost.
| Powers.— | (a) Initiation of Legislation. |
| (b) Supreme Executive power. | |
| (c) Right of summoning a Parlamento. |
Members.—A. Gonfalonier of Justice (first instituted 1293), must be forty-five years of age and a member of one of Arti Maggiori. Presided over all Councils—and could call out the Militia. Originally elected by the Councils, but subsequently appointed by lot. Cf. below.
Members.—B. Eight Priori.—Two from each quarter of the city (originally elected by the Arts), must be thirty years old and members of a guild (six from Arti Maggiori, two from Minori since 1345). Each Prior presided with Gonfalonier for three days, and could put any measure to the vote if Gonfalonier refused. (‘Il proposto.’)