PLS: DSC 251 - World Constitutions
Unit 3: Switzerland
Table of Contents
1. Salient Features of the Swiss Constitution
The Swiss Constitution is unique because it blends federalism, republicanism, and direct democracy into a stable political system.
Key Characteristics
- Written and Rigid: It is a written document that requires a special procedure for amendments, involving both the people and the Cantons.
- Republicanism: Switzerland is a republic where there is no hereditary monarch; all authorities are elected.
- Federalism: Power is shared between the Confederation (Central) and the Cantons (States). The Cantons possess all powers not specifically granted to the federal government.
- Permanent Neutrality: Switzerland maintains a policy of not participating in armed conflicts between other states, which is recognized internationally.
- Plural Executive: Unlike the UK or US, executive power is shared equally among seven members.
2. Direct Democracy in Switzerland
Switzerland is often called the "home of direct democracy" because citizens play a direct role in decision-making through specific instruments.
Instruments of Direct Democracy
- Referendum: Citizens can vote on laws passed by the legislature. It can be mandatory (for constitutional changes) or optional (demanded by 50,000 citizens for regular laws).
- Initiative: This allows 100,000 citizens to propose a specific amendment to the Federal Constitution.
- Landsgemeinde: In some smaller Cantons, citizens meet in an open-air assembly to vote on local laws and elect officials by a show of hands.
3. The Federal Executive (Federal Council)
The Federal Council is the executive head of Switzerland, but it functions very differently from the British Cabinet or the US President.
Composition and Nature
- Plural Body: It consists of seven members elected by the Federal Assembly.
- Equality: All members are equal. There is no "Prime Minister" with superior powers.
- President of the Confederation: One of the seven is chosen to act as President for one year only. The role is largely ceremonial and rotates annually.
- Stability: It is a non-partisan body where members are chosen from major political parties to work together (collegiality).
| Feature | Swiss Federal Council |
|---|---|
| Number of Members | 7 |
| Term of Office | 4 Years |
| Head of State | The Council as a whole |
4. The Federal Legislature (Federal Assembly)
The Federal Assembly is the bicameral legislature of Switzerland.
The Two Houses
- National Council (Lower House): Represents the Swiss people. It consists of 200 members elected based on the population of each Canton.
- Council of States (Upper House): Represents the Cantons. Each full Canton sends 2 members, and each half-Canton sends 1, totaling 46 members.
Powers
The two houses have equal powers. A law must be approved by both houses to pass. They jointly elect the Federal Council and federal judges.
5. Exam-Oriented Section
Exam Tips
- Keywords: Use terms like "Plural Executive," "Collegiality," and "Direct Democracy" to score higher.
- Comparison: Be ready to explain why the Swiss President is weaker than the US President.
- Double Majority: Remember that constitutional changes need a majority of the people AND a majority of the Cantons.
Common Mistakes
- Do not call the Swiss President the "real ruler." They are just the "first among equals" for one year.
- Avoid confusing the "Referendum" (checking a law) with the "Initiative" (proposing a new law).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Switzerland a Parliamentary or Presidential system?
A: It is a unique Plural Executive system that combines features of both but is distinct from either.
Q: What is a "half-Canton"?
A: These are smaller cantons that arose from historical splits; they have the same internal rights but only one seat in the Council of States.
Mnemonics
S-D-P: Features of Switzerland - Salient Neutrality, Direct Democracy, Plural Executive.