1. the Political Context; 2. The Christian Democrats: The Indispensable center; 3. The Communists' struggle for legitimacy and acceptance; 4. The ambiguous role of the Socialists; 5. The small parties: The lay forces and the extremes; 6. Parliament, prime minister and president; 7. Public administration and sottogoverno; 8. The administration of justice; 9. Dangers to the state: Plots, terrorism, and the mafia; 10. Economic and social transformation; 11.