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Questions and Answers
Which entity is most commonly responsible for drafting the initial bill for a law?
Which entity is most commonly responsible for drafting the initial bill for a law?
Members of the Federal Council can act independently without following the consensus principle.
Members of the Federal Council can act independently without following the consensus principle.
False
What is the formula that describes the distribution of seats among the largest political parties in the Federal Council?
What is the formula that describes the distribution of seats among the largest political parties in the Federal Council?
2:2:2:1
The enacted law is subject to an optional __________, requiring 50,000 citizens to request a vote.
The enacted law is subject to an optional __________, requiring 50,000 citizens to request a vote.
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Match the following phases of law to their descriptions:
Match the following phases of law to their descriptions:
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Which levels of government exist within the Swiss federal system?
Which levels of government exist within the Swiss federal system?
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The principle of subsidiarity suggests that tasks should be managed at the highest possible political level.
The principle of subsidiarity suggests that tasks should be managed at the highest possible political level.
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What is the main characteristic of the Swiss People’s Party (SVP)?
What is the main characteristic of the Swiss People’s Party (SVP)?
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The organization of power between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches is known as the separation of ______.
The organization of power between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches is known as the separation of ______.
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Match the following political orientations with their characteristics:
Match the following political orientations with their characteristics:
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What does the vertical separation of powers refer to in Switzerland?
What does the vertical separation of powers refer to in Switzerland?
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According to the Swiss political spectrum, right-wing ideology emphasizes a strong social state.
According to the Swiss political spectrum, right-wing ideology emphasizes a strong social state.
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Which political party focuses on climate action and environmental protection?
Which political party focuses on climate action and environmental protection?
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The FDP supports heavy state regulation of the economy.
The FDP supports heavy state regulation of the economy.
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What is the Right of Petition?
What is the Right of Petition?
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The _________ can draw up its own constitutional bill in response to a popular initiative.
The _________ can draw up its own constitutional bill in response to a popular initiative.
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Match the following political parties with their focus:
Match the following political parties with their focus:
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Which party is described as centrist and merges ecological goals with economic freedom?
Which party is described as centrist and merges ecological goals with economic freedom?
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The U.S. presidential election utilizes a direct popular vote system.
The U.S. presidential election utilizes a direct popular vote system.
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What are the two major political parties in the United States?
What are the two major political parties in the United States?
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An indirect counter-proposal is a legislative bill that is related to a popular initiative but is not put to the ________ as a counter-proposal.
An indirect counter-proposal is a legislative bill that is related to a popular initiative but is not put to the ________ as a counter-proposal.
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How many electoral votes are needed to win a U.S. presidential election?
How many electoral votes are needed to win a U.S. presidential election?
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A swing state has a clear and dominant majority for one political party.
A swing state has a clear and dominant majority for one political party.
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What is the electoral system called where the candidate with the most votes in a state receives all of that state's electoral votes?
What is the electoral system called where the candidate with the most votes in a state receives all of that state's electoral votes?
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In a majority system, a candidate must secure at least _____ of the votes to win.
In a majority system, a candidate must secure at least _____ of the votes to win.
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Match the electoral terms with their definitions:
Match the electoral terms with their definitions:
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What is the total number of electors in the Electoral College?
What is the total number of electors in the Electoral College?
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The consequences of U.S. election outcomes do not impact voters' daily lives.
The consequences of U.S. election outcomes do not impact voters' daily lives.
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What is the term used for voters who can remove candidates from a party list?
What is the term used for voters who can remove candidates from a party list?
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In a proportional representation system, seats are allocated according to the number of _____ received by the parties.
In a proportional representation system, seats are allocated according to the number of _____ received by the parties.
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What is the effect of U.S. election outcomes on candidates?
What is the effect of U.S. election outcomes on candidates?
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What is the main responsibility of the National Council in Switzerland?
What is the main responsibility of the National Council in Switzerland?
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The Council of States consists of 200 members.
The Council of States consists of 200 members.
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How many citizens does each member of the National Council represent, approximately?
How many citizens does each member of the National Council represent, approximately?
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A ______ allows voters to create their own list of candidates.
A ______ allows voters to create their own list of candidates.
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
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What is the minimum number of members required to form a parliamentary group in the National Council?
What is the minimum number of members required to form a parliamentary group in the National Council?
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All cantons in Switzerland have at least one seat in the National Council.
All cantons in Switzerland have at least one seat in the National Council.
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What is one of the primary tasks of committees in the parliament?
What is one of the primary tasks of committees in the parliament?
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Parliamentary groups are formed by at least ______ members from one council.
Parliamentary groups are formed by at least ______ members from one council.
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Which of the following best describes the role of the Federal Council in terms of making international agreements?
Which of the following best describes the role of the Federal Council in terms of making international agreements?
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Study Notes
Federalism Definition
- State power is shared between the federal government, cantons, and communes.
- Federalism allows Switzerland to exist as a unified entity despite its linguistic and regional diversity.
- The Swiss federal system has three levels of governance: Confederation, cantons, and communes.
- Each level (Confederation, cantons, and communes) has legislative and executive powers.
Principle of Subsidiarity Definition
- Powers are allocated to the Confederation, cantons, and communes based on the principle of subsidiarity.
- The Confederation handles tasks that cantons cannot perform or require uniform regulation.
- Nothing that can be done at a lower political level should be done at a higher level.
- If a commune cannot handle a task, the canton is responsible for support.
Separation of Powers Definition
- Switzerland has a horizontal separation of powers between legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
- It also has a vertical separation of powers between the Confederation, cantons, and communes.
Political Spectrum Definition
- Liberal: Individual freedom, political and economic freedom.
- Conservative: Holding traditional values.
Left-Wing
- Strong social safety net to reduce social disparities.
- Emphasizes employee interests, price controls, and public services.
- Favors peace and less military spending.
Right-Wing
- Freedom and personal responsibility.
- State intervenes only when necessary.
- Emphasizes employer interests, free enterprise, and economic incentives.
- Favors a strong national defense.
Parties Definition
- SVP (Swiss People's Party): National-conservative, economically liberal; restrictive immigration, Swiss sovereignty, and traditional values.
- SP (Social Democratic Party): Social democratic and progressive; social justice, welfare expansion, climate action, gender equality, and international cooperation.
- FDP (The Liberals): Economically liberal and center-right; free markets, minimal state regulation, private sector strength, and liberal social policies.
- CVP/Mitte (The Centre): Christian-democratic and center-right; family support, balanced foreign policy, welfare state, and liberal economics.
- GPS (Green Party): Left-wing and ecological; climate action, environmental protection, social justice, and sustainable energy.
- GLP (Green Liberal Party): Centrist; merges ecological goals with economic freedom, emphasizing climate protection and a market-based green economy.
- EVP (Evangelical People's Party): Christian-social; ethical issues, family protection, and social justice.
Political Rights Definition
- Popular Initiative: Citizens can propose changes to the constitution.
- Direct Counter-Proposal: Parliament can create a counter-proposal to a popular initiative.
- Indirect Counter-Proposal: Parliament can propose a bill related to a popular initiative.
- Right of Petition: Citizens can submit complaints or proposals to the government.
US Constitution Definition
- The US Constitution establishes three branches of government: legislative (Congress), executive (President), and judicial (Supreme Court).
- Separation of powers prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.
- Democrats: Minimum wages, higher taxes for higher earners, governmental regulations, social responsibility, lower military spending, legal abortion, support for gay marriage.
- Republicans: Tax rates should not be increased, free market wages, individual rights, increased military spending, illegal abortion, oppose gay marriage.
President Election Definition
- The US uses the Electoral College to elect the President.
- Each state has a number of electors based on its representation in Congress.
- A candidate needs a majority of electoral votes to win.
- Electoral College Winners: Most votes in a state = all that state's electoral votes.
Election Definitions
- Swing State: A state where both parties have similar levels of support.
- Electoral College: System to elect the U.S. President, each state has electoral votes based on population.
- Winner-Takes-All: Candidate with most popular votes in a given state gets all that state's electoral votes (the most used system).
- Proportional Representation: Seats are allocated according to the vote received by the parties.
- Majority System: Candidate who receives over 50% + 1 vote wins.
Parliamentary Definition
- Structure: Large chamber (National Council) and small chamber (Council of States).
- National Council: Represents the people, each member represents a certain number of people.
- Council of States: Represents cantons (states) with two delegates per canton.
- Tasks: Enact legislation, release funding, and oversee administration.
Three Phases Laws Definition
- Initial Phase: Law proposal from people, parliament, cantons, or Federal Council. Federal Administration drafts the initial bill.
- Parliamentary Phase: Committees in both chambers review and amend bills.
- Vote and Entry into Force: Elected law is subject to an optional referendum; if 50,000+ citizens request a vote within 100 days.
Federal Council Definition
- The Federal Council is a seven-member body that forms the Swiss government
- The Federal Council members are elected by the Federal Assembly for four-year terms.
Consensus
- The Federal Council decisions are made as a collated group and aim for a consensus.
Principle of Collegiality
- The Federal Council is expected to defend the collective position even if it differs from their personal opinion or party's view.
Magic Formula
- An electoral formula representing the amount of seats for each party. The largest three parties get two seats each on the Federal Council with the fourth largest party getting one seat.
Concordance
- A method of integrating all parties (regardless of size) in the political system where all parties have a voice in decision-making.
Departments
- The federal government is structured into different departments each headed by a Federal Counselor.
German Constitution Definition
- Displays a detailed layout of the German government with branches, institutions, and their responsibilities
German Government Definition
- The German government is formed after federal elections, often requiring coalition of multiple parties to gain enough votes.
- The Chancellor is elected by the Bundestag and typically from the largest party. Federal ministers are then appointed by the Chancellor.
Lobbying Definition
- Lobbying is influencing a member of parliament through direct contact belonging to a respective interest group.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the legislative process and specifically who is responsible for drafting the initial bill for a law. This quiz will cover various aspects of how legislation is created in government.
