How does Direct Democracy Works in Switzerland

(1) Introduction: 

Switzerland has a tradition of direct democracy. The second name of direct democracy is known as “Pure democracy”. There are two types of democracy, direct democracy and indirect democracy. In direct democracy citizens can participate in making public decision or law making for the protection of public. Direct democracy is suitable for the small countries. The fundamental principle of direct democracy is that all citizens take part in decision making and there’s a strong respect for minorities.  

(2) Definition/ meaning of direct democracy:  

In a direct democracy form of government, it is "the people who vote and decide upon policy initiatives".

(3) How direct democracy works in Switzerland?  

(a) Population of Switzerland:

Switzerland has a population of 8.2 million people which 24% are foreign nationals, spread across 26 Cantons.

(b) Chooses their Representative:

In the cantons the people’s assembly still chooses its representative in the council of states by show of hands.   

(c) Fundamental principle:

The fundamental principle of direct democracy is that all citizens take part in decisionmaking and there’s a strong respect for minorities.

(d) Federal council:

The government, also called federal council is the executive powers. It is composed of seven federal councilor’s form several Swiss political parties which are called elected by the federal assembly every 4 years and share the duties of a head of state.

(e) Political parties in Switzerland:

The political scene is dominated by 4 main parties:

1) The Swiss people’s party 

2) The social democratic party 

3) The liberals party 

4) Christian democratic party

(f) Vote can be held:

Popular vote can be held up to 4 times a year. The federal council decides a couple of months in advance which proposals will be voted on and releases the dates of the votes even earlier.  

(g) Current situation: 

In recent years the green party has emerged as well as a small number of minority parties. The “Anti power point party” for example, was a political party in Switzerland that worked to decrease the use of PowerPoint in professional presentations.  

(4) Conclusion: 

To conclude I can say that Switzerland has direct democracy. In Switzerland all the citizens take part and making rules and regulation for the Swiss people. Switzerland has 8.2 million peoples in which 24% are foreign. There are 26 Cantons are controlled in form of confederation. Switzerland has direct democracy and the relationship between Cantons and federal government is strong. According to Swiss constitution every Swiss citizen has dual nationality. The upper house is called Senate and lower house is called House of representative.