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
Available in German, French and Dutch, see also: www.admin.ch; www.polizei.ch)
8 November 2022
The National Conferences on Federalism (Die Nationalen Föderalismuskonferenzen) were created by the government (Bundesrat), the Council of States (Ständerat) and the 26 cantons. Since then, six conferences have taken place: 2005 in Fribourg, 2008 in Baden (Canton of Aargau), 2011 in Mendrisio (Canton of Ticino), 2014 in Solothurn, 2017 in Montreux (Canton of Vaud) and … Read more » “The National Conferences on Federalism”
5 November 2022
The Constitution of 1848 is still the political foundation of modern Switzerland. Partially based on the American model of 1787, it establishes the country’s confederal status, the cantons and communes, and the role of the citizens. The last major revision of the Constitution took place in 2000. The Referendum One of the most striking provisions … Read more » “A beneficial Democracy”
31 October 2022
One of the most striking features of Switzerland’s political system is the absence of a dominant political party. Few Swiss citizens are familiar with the name of their head of state, also known as the federal president. That is not surprising. They are appointed for one year and always belong to the government of seven … Read more » “The Swiss Direct Democracy”
26 October 2022
The Swiss model of direct democracy is often used as an example of how to involve citizens and organisations in decision-making procedures. However, the historical development of this system and its manner of functioning are often unknown. Functioning Every system has its advantages and disadvantages, although one thing is sure: the democratic system is the … Read more » “A short History of Direct Democracy”
12 October 2022
The Flag: The VR means ‘Ussere Rhode’.
12 October 2022
The flag of Appenzell Innerrhoden.
3 October 2022
The history of Switzerland’s sovereignty includes many dates, myths, and (historical and political) discussions. In the 15th century, the territory that is now Switzerland was still part of the Holy Roman Empire. In the 19th century, this territory (except for Tarasp (1803), Rhäzuns (1819), and Neuchâtel (1857)), was a sovereign state in 1815. The period … Read more » “The sovereignty of Switzerland”
