Starting from a re-reading of the Constitution and the Fordist-Bismarckian ethos and foundations of Italian welfare, the author draws attention to some aspects being affected by the crisis and change. In particular he identifies in some sectors of welfare a trend – in line with the principles of the Constitution – towards a universalist vision that is making system more «mixed» than its original «pure» employment type. The article describes development of ordinary legislation in the early decades of the Republic and changes in labour and social law.only subscribers can see the full article