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Swiss democratic experience and the main features of its decentralised governance

General public

Switzerland is known for its unique political system and decentralized governance. These characteristics make Switzerland a unique case in the global political context. They contribute to the stability and social cohesion of the country, as well as its reputation as a well-established and prosperous democracy.

Some of the main characteristics of Swiss political governance...

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Direct Democracy System

Switzerland is often cited as an example of direct democracy. This means that citizens have the right to vote on specific topics and propose popular initiatives.

Confederation of Cantons

Switzerland is a federation of 26 cantons. Each canton has its own constitution and great autonomy in terms of legislation.

Concordance and Consensus

The Swiss political system is based on the search for consensus and collaboration between political parties. This means that the different political parties seek to work together rather than face each other.

Neutrality and Multiculturalism

Switzerland is internationally neutral and welcomes a diversity of languages and cultures. This has implications for its foreign policy and how it handles cultural and linguistic differences at the national level.

Militia System

Many Swiss elected officials exercise their political mandate in parallel with their civilian employment. This is known as the "militia" and it means that politicians are often engaged citizens who do not depend exclusively on politics for their livelihood.

Decentralized Justice System

Each township has its own judicial system. However, there are also federal courts that deal with matters under federal law.

Transparent Funding System

Swiss politics has strict rules on the financing of political parties and electoral campaigns. Transparency is an important value in this area.

Active Citizen Participation

Swiss citizens are encouraged to actively participate in political life through referendums, popular initiatives and votes.

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