SWITZERLAND HAS ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST UNIQUE POLITICAL SYSTEM. HERE'S WHAT.
Switzerland is famous for many things. Chocolates. Watches. The mighty Alps. The nefarious Swiss bank. But what may are not aware about is its unique and unknown political system. The Swiss practice the 'direct democracy'. Its origins account due to the diverse spectrum of German, French. Italian and Romansh ethnicity.
MAP HIGHLIGHTING VARIOUS ETHNICITY (source pintrest)
MAIN UNIQUE POINTS WHICH I DISCOVERED:
The Swiss do not elect for the president. Instead they directly vote for a particular party. A 7 member Federal Council is formed. The President is selected for a period of 1 year out of this council.
The President is counted as first among equals. Each member of the Federal Council( instead of the council of ministers) has a portfolio (eg: Defense or Foreign Affairs). The only special power is the President can represent Switzerland as its head of state at international meets like UNGA and bilateral tours.
CURRENT PRESIDENT SIMONETTA SOMMARUGA (source the times of india)
Perhaps the most unique feature is the emphasis on referendums. More than half of the world's referendums have been held in this nation.
Referendums can be held to nullify a law passed by the federal assembly i,e, the parliament if 1 lakh signatures are secured within 100 days of passing the law!
A new law can also be suggested through referendum if it has support of 50,000 signatories. This is called an initiative. However it ha sto be passed in the federal assembly by a majority.
SOME IMPORTANT FACTS (source the EDA)
Just like American states, Switzerland has 26 cantons (provinces) which have their own constitution. These cantons have independence in the sphere of Education, healthcare and taxation.
ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE (source slideshare)
As seen above, Switzerland also has units called 'communes'. These are smaller administrative units at the base like municipalities. Communes are integral for maintaining national cohesion & unity as people associate themselves on basis of communes rather than cantons or ethnicity.
I HOPE TODAY'S ARTICLE WAS INFORMATIVE. I HAD TO DO SOME EXTERNAL RESEARCH FROM Britannica & the local as I HAD A VAGUE IDEA ON THE SUBJECT.
THANKS FOR READING!
contact me if you want the link!
Comentarios