The Swiss political system: Federal Council, Parliament, cantons
A seven-member government, a two-chamber Parliament, 26 cantons and direct democracy: how the Swiss political system really works.
Switzerland is a federal republic resting on three pillars: federalism (power is shared between the Confederation, 26 cantons and municipalities), direct democracy (citizens vote on laws) and consensus government (the main parties govern together).
The Federal Council: a collegial government
Executive power lies with the Federal Council, made up of seven members elected by Parliament. They lead the country collectively: there is no “president” in the strong sense. The federal presidency rotates yearly among the seven members and is mainly a ceremonial role.
Parliament: two equal chambers
| Chamber | Seats | Represents |
|---|---|---|
| National Council | 200 | The people (proportional to population) |
| Council of States | 46 | The cantons (2 per canton) |
The two chambers together form the Federal Assembly. They have identical powers: a law must be passed in the same wording by both to enter into force.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs Switzerland?
The Federal Council, a collegial government of seven members elected by Parliament, who decide together. The presidency rotates yearly.
What are the two chambers of the Swiss Parliament?
The National Council (200 seats, representing the people) and the Council of States (46 seats, representing the cantons). Together they form the Federal Assembly.
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