Political System of Switzerland

Switzerland's political system is a federal republic with a strong emphasis on direct democracy. It has three main levels: the federal government, 26 cantons with significant autonomy, and numerous municipalities. Power is shared among executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The Federal Council, a seven-member executive, implements laws, while the Federal Assembly, consisting of the National Council and the Council of States, passes legislation. Citizens influence governance through frequent referendums and initiatives. This decentralized structure promotes regional representation, consensus, and citizen participation, ensuring diverse linguistic and cultural groups are represented within a stable, democratic framework.