1 February 2023
The 26 cantons have a powerful constitutional and political position in the Swiss state system. From a European perspective, they are unique structures dating back centuries. This article discusses the constitutions of the cantons. The great politician and entrepreneur Alfred Escher (1819-1882) articulated in 1848 what is still the foundation of the federal and democratic … Read more » “The Consitution of the Cantons”
26 January 2023
This article highlights the composition of the Federal Council. Subsequent contributions will address its functioning, legislative and decision-making processes, and working methods. The Council The Council (Bundesrat, Conseil fédéral, Consiglio federale, Cussegl federal) consists of seven members. The Federal Chancellery and Chancellor (Bundeskanzlei, Chancellerie fédérale, Cancelleria federale, Chanzlia federala) supports the Council. The Council and … Read more » “The Federal Council”
16 January 2023
There is another player besides Switzerland’s parliament and government: the citizens. Referendums can always present decision-makers (federal, cantonal, and municipal) with alternative perspectives. The Constitution covers three types of federal referendums. The cantons and municipalities also have referendums. Mandatory referendum A mandatory referendum (das obligatorische Referendum) must take place if the Constitution stipulates it, for … Read more » “The Referendum”
10 January 2023
Definition The National Council, also known as the Nationalrat (Volkskammer, Erste Kammer, Grosse Kammer), represents the people in the parliamentary system. It has powers identical to those of the Council of States (discussed in the previous contribution). The 200 seats are distributed in proportion to the votes obtained in elections held every four years. Seats The twenty-six cantons … Read more » “The National Council”
8 January 2023
The parliamentary system consists of two chambers. This article focuses on the Council of States, also known as the Ständerat (Kantonskammer, Zweite Kammer, Kleine Kammer, Senate, Chambre de réflexion). The other chamber, the National Council (Nationalrat, or Volkskammer, Erste Kammer, Grosse Kammer), will be discussed in the following article. This contribution provides a brief review of the history, role, and position … Read more » “The Council of States”
29 December 2022
Introduction Direct democracy, federalism, and a unique political system featuring directly elected members of the executive (government) at the canton and municipal levels are the foundations of the country’s political stability. Collegiality applies at three levels: the municipality, the canton, and the federal government (Bund/Fédération). The government speaks with one voice. Parliament can never dismiss the … Read more » “The Electoral System”
21 December 2022
The Founders There are two founders of the Swiss Confederation (Confoederatio Helvetica): the people and the cantons, as stated in the Preamble and Article 1 of the Federal Constitution (FC) (Bundesverfassung, Constituziun federala, Constitution fédérale, Costituzione federale). The Swiss people and the cantons (Das Schweizervolk und die Kantone, Il peuple svizzero et les cantons suisses, … Read more » “The Swiss Constitution”
19 December 2022
Switzerland has a reputation for slow decision-making in politics. However, the country introduced Europe’s first democracy (for men and with many exemptions) and first trilingual confederal republic in 1848. The cantons are the experimental gardens of new political concepts; ultimately, the citizens always have the last say, as all citizens are, in a sense, politicians. … Read more » “The Sonderbund War that brought Peace”
16 December 2022
Switzerland’s political system is unique and functions relatively well. The country is the world champion of direct citizen control over municipal, cantonal, and national policy. The people directly elect the governments of municipalities and cantons through the absolute majority system per candidate. Moreover, the number of municipal council members or cantonal government members is limited … Read more » “Swiss Democracy at Work”
22 November 2022
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