The Major Features of the Constitution of  Switzerland

(1) Introduction: 

Swiss constitution is unique in its formation in Switzerland. These are 26 cantons (states) and all cantons are controlled in form of confederation. The Swiss constitution ordinary made 1848 but finally revised in 1999 and came into force on the first day of 2000. In Switzerland these is direct democracy the relation between canton and federal government is strong the Swiss parliament is bicameral. The upper house is called senate and lower house is called the house of representative. According to Swiss constitution every Swiss citizens had dual nationality. 

(2) Features of Swiss constitution:  

(a) Written constitution:

Swiss constitution is in written form. It was passed on 18 April 1999 and came in force on 1st January 2000. This constitution has 196 article and 6 powers.

(b) Enacted constitution:

A law which is passed by legislature is called enacted law. Swiss constitution was passed by Swiss parliament in 1848. Its latest and emended version came into force on 1st January 2000.

(c) Preamble:

Preamble is the basic statement of any enactment. The Swiss constitution starts with the preamble it elaborate the purpose of constitution. 

(d) Bill of rights:

Swiss constitution has bill of rights. In this bill the rights of public at large like, equality, justice, freedom. Judicial production are elaborated know this bill if right in the past of Swiss constitution. 

(e) Form of government:

Switzerland as democratic republic form of government according to Swiss constitution, every centum shall attempted a democratic constitution.

(f) Confederation:

Swiss constitution was made on the base of confederation requirements. Switzerland has 26 cantons (states). All cantons are independent and combined collective decision. 

(g) Independent of Judiciary:

Judiciary is independent and judges are free to make their decision according to law. No one can above law. So everyone act upon the decision made by judges.

(h) Democracy:

Switzerland has direct democracy. Swiss citizen are free to participate in the state affairs. Every person is liter it and participates in the state affairs. It is a common tradition in Switzerland any laws can be made on the demand of public. 

(i) Liberty and protection:

Swiss constitution provides liberty and protection to any citizen. It gives stress on the fair trial and speedy justice. Switzerland has an exemplary concept of freedom in the world.

(j) Rigid constitution:

Swiss constitution is rigid inform it cannot be amended on simple majority. It has complex and reasonable method of amendment since 1848. The amendments in constitution were brought on serious demands. 

(k) Bicameral legislature:

Swiss parliament has two houses e.g. House of representative and the Senate. House of representative has specific tenure of 4years. Whereas the tenure of Senate depends upon the cantons which they represent. 

(l) Conventions:

The Swiss convention is involuntary in its nature. Since 1848 many constitution convention have been adopted and now are the past and present constitution.

(m) Rule of law:

In Switzerland rule of law is practically seen. “Every person is equal in the eyes of law” is practically adopted applied and admitted in Swiss constitution. 

(n) Dual nationality:

All the citizens of Switzerland have dual nationality. This means a person in citizen as the nationality of his Canton and the Switzerland state. Both the domicile of every citizen depends upon the residence.

(o) Compulsory military training:

Swiss people have to undergo military training. However this position is lenient for woman. If any person does not undertake military training he has to pay service tax.

(3) Conclusion:  

To conclude it can be said that Swiss constitution is a voluntary, conventional, written and enacted constitution of world. Practically it came into force on 1st January 2000. Prior to this constitution the basic and original constitution was made in 1848. Swiss constitution is importance to the lives, liberty and rule of law.