FEDERALISM IN SWITZERLAND

The American Political Science Review, 1975

Regional & Federal Studies, 2005

This article outlines the modern historical evolution of the Swiss political system and describes the main features of its contemporary federalism. In particular, it focuses on how the division of competences and the distribution of power have changed over time, on the factors which have driven these changes, leading to a description of the current situation created by these developments. It then compares the Swiss experience with that of the European Union and draws some lessons from this for the debate on the evolution of the European Union and, in particular, on the adoption and the ratification of the Constitutional Treaty. Although it emphasizes the role of historical experiences and of political culture in shaping Swiss federalism and the difficulties, if not the impossibility, of replicating them in the European context, it concludes that the EU could learn from Switzerland but may not do so.

Since the year 2000, Switzerland has had a totally revised constitution. The main changes deal with issues of federalism. Globalization has and will have strong centralizing effects, although localization might trigger emotional and nationalistic reactions within the different ethnic communities of Switzerland. Swiss Federalism builds on the traditional and to a certain extent also the modern diversities. Since middle age the Swiss Confederation has always been enriched and challenged by economic, religious, cultural and linguistic diversities. Since the foundation of Switzerland as a state of modernity in 1848 the constitution has been more than 100 times modified with specific provisions. It has centralized some of the powers and compensated the loss of self-rule with more shared rule and thus given cantons more possibilities to participate within the federal decision making process. The growing mobility of people and the important percentage of foreigners living in Switzerland (20 percent) are additional challenges to the already existing but constitutionally provided diversity. This paper will explain the new constitution within this framework of the modern federalism. In particular, it focuses on the specificity of Swiss constitution, its framework and the new balance between self-rule and shared rule and recent developments.

Since the year 2000, Switzerland has had a totally revised constitution. The main changes deal with issues of federalism. Globalization has and will have strong centralizing effects, although localization might trigger emotional and nationalistic reactions within the different ethnic communities of Switzerland. Swiss Federalism builds on the traditional and to a certain extent also the modern diversities. Since middle age the Swiss Confederation has always been enriched and challenged by economic, religious, cultural and linguistic diversities. Since the foundation of Switzerland as a state of modernity in 1848 the constitution has been more than 100 times modified with specific provisions. It has centralized some of the powers and compensated the loss of self-rule with more shared rule and thus given cantons more possibilities to participate within the federal decision making process. The growing mobility of people and the important percentage of foreigners living in Switzerland (20 percent) are additional challenges to the already existing but constitutionally provided diversity. This paper will explain the new constitution within this framework of the modern federalism. In particular, it focuses on the specificity of Swiss constitution, its framework and the new balance between self-rule and shared rule and recent developments. Key words: Switzerland, constitution, federalism, cantons, Self-rule.

The Guidebook’s main focus is on Switzerland which has the most extensive practice of direct democracy for the longest period of time. The twelve essays present a concept of direct democracy in its various dimensions. The many factsheets and the concluding surveys on direct democracy worldwide provide additional information and material for a deeper understanding of direct democracy.

Beauty of Switzerland Constitution

Regional & Federal Studies, 2005

This article outlines the modern historical evolution of the Swiss political system and describes the main features of its contemporary federalism. In particular, it focuses on how the division of competences and the distribution of power have changed over time, on the factors which have driven these changes, leading to a description of the current situation created by these developments. It then compares the Swiss experience with that of the European Union and draws some lessons from this for the debate on the evolution of the European Union and, in particular, on the adoption and the ratification of the Constitutional Treaty. Although it emphasizes the role of historical experiences and of political culture in shaping Swiss federalism and the difficulties, if not the impossibility, of replicating them in the European context, it concludes that the EU could learn from Switzerland but may not do so.

The constitution of a country should include the aspirations and will of the people .In a pluralist society it is a complex process to understand the claims of minority communities and provide constitutional entrenchments for their claims and rights. Various countries adopt different power sharing and constitutional models to confront this diversity issue. Most of countries with an ethnic diversity follow a federal system of government which is considered as the most suitable way to consolidate the peace and integrity in a pluralist nation.