Venice (Ninety-Five Theses Map Game)

The Republic of Venice (Italian: Repubblica di Venezia; Venetian: Repùblica Vèneta), or traditionally known as the Most Serene Republic of Venice (Italian: Serenissima Repubblica di Venezia), is a state originating from the lagoon communities in the area of Venice, now northeastern Italy. It has existed from the late 7th century AD until present day. Although it has a long history of war and conquest, the Republic's modern reputation is chiefly based on its status as a current economic and trading power.

Pre League of Cambria

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Government
In the early years of the republic, the Doge ruled Venice in an autocratic fashion, but later his powers were limited by the promissione, a pledge he had to take when elected. As a result, powers were shared with the Maggior Consiglio or Great Council, composed of 480 members taken from patrician families, so that "He could do nothing without the Major Council and the Major Council could do nothing without him".

In the 12th century, the aristocratic families of Rialto further diminished the Doge's powers by establishing the Minor Council (1175), composed of six advisers of the Doge, and the Quarantia (1179) as a supreme tribunal. In 1223, these institutions were combined into the Signoria, which consisted of the Doge, the Minor Council and the three leaders of the Quarantia. The Signoria was the central body of government, representing the continuity of the republic as shown in the expression: "si è morto il Doge, no la Signoria" ("The Doge is dead, but the Signoria is not").

Also created were the sapientes, two (later six) bodies that combined with other groups to form a collegio, which formed an executive branch. In 1229, the Consiglio dei Pregadi, a senate, was formed, being 60 members elected by the Major Council.[19] These developments left the Doge with little personal power and saw actual authority in the hands of the Major Council.

Venice has a mixed government model which claims to be a "Republic". It combines monarchy in the Doge, aristocracy in the senate, and a "democracy" of Rialto families in the Major Council.

In 1310, a Council of Ten was established, becoming the central political body whose members operated in secret. Around 1600, its dominance over the Major Council was considered a threat and efforts were made in the Council and elsewhere to reduce its powers, with limited success.

In 1454, the Supreme Tribunal of the three state inquisitors was established to guard the security of the republic. By means of espionage, counterespionage, internal surveillance and a network of informers, they ensured that Venice did not come under the rule of a single "signore", as many other Italian cities did at the time. One of the inquisitors – popularly known as Il Rosso ("the red one") because of his scarlet robe – was chosen from the Doge's councillors, two – popularly known as I negri ("the black ones") because of their black robes – were chosen from the Council of Ten. The Supreme Tribunal gradually assumed some of the powers of the Council of Ten.

Subdvisons

 * Flag of Most Serene Republic of Venice.svg Dogado (Venice Proper)
 * Flag of Most Serene Republic of Venice.svg Domini di Terraferma (North Italy)
 * Flag of Most Serene Republic of Venice.svg Stato da Màr (Overseas Possesions)