Swiss Federalism and Governance Concepts

A system where governmental power is shared between different levels: the federal government, cantons (states), and communes (local governments). This ensures a balance of authority and allows Switzerland, with diverse cultures and regions, to function as a single entity.

The principle that decisions are made at the lowest level possible. This means that communes make decisions first, then cantons, and only when they can't handle it does the federal government step in.

The division of governmental power into three branches: legislative (making laws), executive (enforcing laws), and judicial (interpreting laws). In Switzerland, this also applies vertically, meaning cantons and communes have their own versions of these branches.

A political spectrum is a way of classifying different political ideologies based on their views on the role of government, social issues, and the economy.

The Swiss People's Party (SVP) is a political party aligned with the right-wing of the political spectrum. It emphasizes conservative values, economic liberalism, and a focus on Swiss sovereignty.

Left-wing political perspectives typically advocate for a strong social state, emphasizing social justice, economic equality, and employee rights.

Right-wing political perspectives typically promote individual freedom, economic liberty, and a smaller role for government in social and economic affairs.

Advocates for social justice, welfare expansion, climate action, gender equality, and international cooperation.

Supports free markets, minimal state regulation, private sector strength, and liberal social policies.

Promotes family support, balanced foreign policy, a welfare state, and liberal economics.

Champions climate action, environmental protection, social justice, and sustainable energy.

Merges ecological goals with economic freedom, emphasizing climate protection and a market-based green economy.

Focuses on ethical issues, family protection, and social justice.

The right of individuals or groups to formally submit concerns, complaints, or proposals to the government or other state institutions.

The Federal Assembly can propose a constitutional bill in response to a popular initiative, which is then voted on by the people.

A legislative bill (changing the law!) related to a popular initiative but not voted on as a direct counter-proposal. The Federal Assembly wants to address the initiative but not in the same way.

Voters choose a party list instead of individual candidates.

Voters can create their own candidate list, including individuals not on the official ballot.

Switzerland's bicameral legislature, consisting of a larger National Council and a smaller Council of States.

Composed of 200 members representing the Swiss population, with each member representing roughly 40,000 people.

Composed of 45 members representing the Swiss cantons, with two members per canton.

A proposal by a council member or parliamentary group for a new law or amendment.

A request to the Federal Council to investigate a matter and report back to parliament.

A directive to the Federal Council to submit a bill to parliament or to take a specific action.

A request for information from the Federal Council on important events or federal issues.

Groups formed from parliament members, focusing on specific topics like transport or foreign affairs.

A system of fundamental laws that establish the basic principles and structures of a government.

A set of rules that concretize and implement the principles of the constitution, creating specific laws to address various aspects of society.

Detailed regulations that clarify how laws are to be implemented and applied in specific situations.

Decision-making process in the Federal Council where members strive to reach an agreement that is acceptable to the majority, even if it goes against their personal views or party interests.

A principle that requires all members of the Federal Council to publicly support the decisions made collectively, even if they personally disagree.

A state where both major political parties have similar levels of support, making it critical in determining the outcome of U.S. presidential elections.

The system used to elect the U.S. president, where each state has a set number of votes based on its population, and these votes are cast by electors.

An electoral system where the candidate receiving the most votes in a state gets all of its Electoral College votes (used in most states).

U.S. election outcomes shape policy, Supreme Court decisions, and foreign affairs. Presidential and Congressional wins influence key issues, legislative agendas, and party power. They therefore need to stand for their promises.

For voters, U.S. election outcomes affect daily life, influencing healthcare, jobs, education, and civil rights. Choices made impact local and national policies that shape their communities and future opportunities.

Seats are allocated according to the number of votes received by the parties. Seats are then allocated to the best-placed candidates in those parties.

An electoral system where candidates must secure a majority of votes (50%+1) to win, often through single-member districts or runoff elections.

Voters can assign multiple votes to a single candidate to increase their chances of election.

Voters can select candidates from different party lists, rather than voting for all candidates from a single party list.

Voters can remove candidates from a party list by crossing out their names.