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”
7 September 2022
Why Switzerland is the title of Jonathan Steinberg’s book (Cambridge, third edition, 2015). The book is a detailed study of seven centuries of history, politics, religion, culture, economy and values that have shaped the country and its cantons and made them what they are: not an island but an oasis in the middle of Europe, … Read more » “Why Switzerland ?”
17 April 2022
Nothing is forever, not even in Switzerland. The creation of the new canton of Jura in 1979, the choice of Moutier (canton of Bern) by referendum in 2021 to join the canton of Jura in 2026 or, for example, the mergers of municipalities. Switzerland is also the outcome of centuries-long processes, as the new publication … Read more » “Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft”
31 March 2022
History The Landsgemeinde’s origins date back to the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. The first Landsgemeinde was mentioned in a document in Schwyz in 1294, and the first mention in Glarus dates back to 1387. It is no coincidence that this institution arose during the time that the Orte (the name ‘canton’ dates from the sixteenth … Read more » “The Landsgemeinde of Glarus”
