The Statuto Albertino, signed by Carlo Alberto di Savoia, marked a significant turning point in the Italian political landscape. Before the formal establishment of this constitutional document, Italy was largely fragmented into various states and kingdoms, each governed by its own laws. Carlo Alberto aimed to unify these disparate regions under a constitutional monarchy, responding to the growing desire for modernization and reform that characterized the Italian city-states during this period. The document was widely anticipated, as it promised to assure basic civil rights and limit the powers of the monarchy, thus establishing a rule of law.

The signing of the Statuto Albertino took place in Turin, the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia, on March 4, 1848. It was part of a broader context of revolutionary movements that swept across Europe in 1848, often referred to as the Springtime of Nations. This was a time when nationalistic and liberal ideas gained traction, prompting calls for independence and governance reform. The Statuto represented the hopes of many Italians for unification and democratic governance. It stipulated essential freedoms, including freedom of the press and the right to assemble, reflecting Enlightenment ideals.

As the first constitution of the Kingdom of Italy, the Statuto Albertino was influential in shaping the country's future governance structures. While it initially maintained significant powers for the monarchy, it laid the groundwork for parliamentary democracy in Italy. Its relevance extended beyond Carlo Alberto's reign, as it continued to be a cornerstone of Italian constitutional law until its eventual replacement in the 20th century, leading to further political development and the eventual establishment of a republic in 1946.