Fascism and the “ludi cartacei”: from proportional representation to the Acerbo Law

Abstract

The aim of this essay, through the use of bibliographical and journalistic sources, is to exam-ine, between ambiguity and continuity, the complex connection between fascism and elec-toral competitions from the proportional system to the Acerbo law. From 1919 to 1924, there-fore, having to calibrate doctrinal convictions and practical needs, Mussolini approached po-litical elections differently having to adapt to the evolution of a movement that went from wanting to assert itself on the political scene to having to govern a nation.