General Information » Economy » Government & Ruling Family

Switzerland has a federal structure with no central power and Swiss citizens have the right to intervene directly or indirectly in all political matters. This situation is largely thanks to a long political history, a high rate of literacy, and strong media, as well as a relatively small surface area and population. The country’s political system has evolved over seven centuries and its sophistication is more a result of adaptations and modifications than a major revolution. The concept of an alliance of states that maintain their respective autonomy and sovereignty dates back to the formation of the Helvetic Confederation in 1291.

Switzerland’s government, the Federal Council, has seven ministers drawn from the four strongest political parties. Each year a different minister becomes Federal President. The President holds no special powers and all members of the Federal Council take collective responsibility for decisions. In addition each Federal Councillor, including the President, runs a department. When a Federal Councillor retires or dies, a replacement is elected by Parliament. The Federal Council receives assistance and advice from the Federal Chancellery and the Federal Chancellor attends weekly cabinet meetings on a consultative basis.

The Federal Assembly is made up of two chambers that have equal weight. The National Council represents the people and consists of 200 seats divided between the cantons in proportion to their size. The Council of States represents the cantons and consists of 46 seats, two for each canton and one for each half canton. These chambers supervise government and approve federal laws. The members of these two councils are elected every four years and can propose new laws or decrees or put questions to the Federal Council. Collectively they elect the members of the Federal Council and other state officials. The speakers of these councils rotate annually and the speaker of the National Council is the highest ranking person in the country!

The 26 cantons and half cantons also have a federalist structure that allows for considerable political freedom and autonomy in terms of their administration. Cantons (and some communes) have their own constitution and laws, which are based on the Federal Constitution but include some variants. Federal duties are clearly defined and mainly consist of ensuring national and international security, guaranteeing cantonal constitutions and maintaining foreign diplomatic relations. The Federal State is also responsible for customs, post and telecommunication networks, the monetary system, the military and the develop...