Bix
 |
Switzerland is first of all a federal country with 26 cantons (similar to the states in the US). The cantons have their own government.
The federal state has a government called "Federal Council".
The Federal Council has 7 members. These members have all their own departments. The departments can be compared with ministries.
The 7 Federal Counselors have equal rights. One of the 7 Federal Counselors is the "President of the Confederation" for one year. He is so called "primus inter pares" (the first among equals). This means, the President of the Confederation is equal to his colleagues. His function is more representative. However, he doesn't have more rights than the other Federal Counselors.
The 7 Federal Counselors are together the government of Switzerland. They decide together. Politically (and not legally), a Federal Counselor has of course more power within his own department.
The Federal Counselors are elected by the members of the parliament. The Swiss Parliament has got 2 chambers. When there is an election of a Federal Counselor, they come together and vote together.
The Federal Council is the executive in the Swiss State.
The legislative power is in the hands of the parliament. However, the people of Switzerland have also a system of direct democracy (similar to the one in California). In such a system, the people has direct legislative powers.
Switzerland doesn't have a prime minister or a royal family. The only king that we have over here is Roger Federer. |
Travel
Forum 
Switzerland 
No Spam
Adult 
Gambling
Unfinished
Deception
Plagiarism
Not English
