DOCSLIB.ORG

The Swiss Confederation a Brief Guide 2018

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Swiss Confederation a Brief Guide 2018 THE SWISS CONFEDERATION A BRIEF GUIDE 2018 Get the app! CH info Cover The glacier blue water of the Fedacla river meets the turquoise of Lake Silvaplana. The river continually washes fresh debris into the Fex delta: banks of gravel and mud form and then submerge. The photo was taken by a drone from a height of 90 metres. EDITORIAL Dear Reader Of all the texts, reports and dispatches that are published by the federal authorities – and there are an awful lot of them – ‘The Swiss Confederation – A Brief Guide’ – is prob- ably the most frequently requested. Two hundred thousand copies of the 2018 edition have been printed, even though the guide has also been available on the ‘CH info’ app since 2016. The overview it gives of our political system, govern- “Direct democracy means much ment, the administrative authorities, our parliament and more than occasionally consulting the courts is not ‘just’ teaching material for schools. The interest shown in the guide is also an expression of the close the public.” relationship between society and politics. In a sense, each voting citizen in Switzerland is a politician, and politically active, just to different degrees. Every three months we are called to the ballot box to make political de- cisions; we follow the debates or take part in them. Some- one launches an initiative, someone else a referendum, and others write letters to newspapers, tweet or speak up at their communal assembly. Direct democracy means much more than occasionally consulting the public. It is an embracive, relatively confus- ing, sometimes time-consuming, delicately balanced, per- manently rotating and constantly changing mechanism, whose purpose is to include in the decision-making process all those who must live with the consequences of the deci- sion. It is of immense value, but only functions when every- one who wants to be a part of it has an idea of how it func- tions. This guide contributes to that understanding. The fact that so many people order and, hopefully, read it is indeed a good sign. Federal Chancellor Walter Thurnherr 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERVIEW AND FACTS FOUNDATIONS SWITZERLAND DIRECT DEMOCRACY 6 14 An interview with President Separation of powers 16 Alain Berset 6 Elections and votes 18 Population 8 Parties from left to right 20 Federal finances 9 Political parties in brief 22 The history of Switzerland 10 Federalism 12 THE SWISS CONFEDERATION Master program THE SWISS CONFEDERATION – A BRIEF GUIDE is also – A BRIEF GUIDE available as an app Teaching material in English, German and French: www.hep-verlag.ch/der-bund-kurz-erklaert iOS / Android CH info 4 THE LEGISLATURE THE EXECUTIVE THE JUDICIARY PARLIAMENT THE GOVERNMENT THE COURTS 24 40 76 National Council and The Federal Council 42 The judiciary 78 Council of States 26 Federal Administration 44 The Federal Supreme Court How Parliament is organised 28 and the federal courts Federal Department of first instance 80 The large and small chambers 30 of Foreign Affairs FDFA 46 Parliamentary mechanisms 32 Federal Department of Home Affairs FDHA 50 Semi-professional parliament 33 Federal Department The Parliamentary Services 34 of Justice and Police FDJP 54 My viewpoint 35 Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection How new laws come about 36 and Sport DDPS 58 The Parliament Building 38 Federal Department of Finance FDF 62 Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER 66 Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications DETEC 70 Federal Chancellery FCh 74 5 SWITZERLAND Meeting with President Alain Berset THE PRESIDENT AND THE FILM DIRECTOR Swiss film director Ursula Meier was somewhat sur- meeting took place at the Federal Office of Culture in prised when Alain Berset suggested she take on the role Bern, where a lively discussion about the state of our of interviewer. Nevertheless, she was curious and keen society, culture and film quickly developed. to take part in the question-and-answer session. The SWITZERLAND SWITZERLAND There have always been close links between art and public has to be in a position to understand and interpret politics. Politicians like to use art to raise their profile. information as well as possible. We are used to seeing in- But it’s rare for politicians to let themselves be put on formation presented well and in a variety of forms. The the spot by an artist. What prompted you to pick an art- challenge is to maintain a critical approach. A good educa- ist as your interviewer? tion is vital, particularly in terms of digital media. Today, Over the years I’ve become increasingly aware of the huge citizens have to be able to understand a wide variety of part that culture – in the broadest sense of the word – plays messages whether they appear on social networks or in in our country. We have a complex linguistic, regional and background articles. social mix, and it’s often culture that unites us and creates national cohesion. That’s why I wanted to talk about Swit- The late German artist Joseph Beuys once described art zerland and the world with a Swiss artist. as food that people need in order to live. What are you doing to ensure that art isn’t just seen as a cultural Our society is increasingly dominated by images. Why ‘pleasure’, an added extra for the privileged classes, but is greater emphasis not placed on image analysis in the as a way of shaping our identity and relations with the classroom? world? It’s not just schools that have this educational task, but so- In my work I try to show that art is necessary to our lives. ciety as a whole. In a direct democracy such as ours, the I do my best to improve active and passive involvement in 6 The Swiss Confederation – a brief guide 2018 | Switzerland cultural life – by acknowledging the ance is improved, and naturally if can sometimes be a bit staged. When valuable role played by creative art- equal pay is encouraged. The forth- I was 16 I was in a small student film, ists and all those involved in the cul- coming popular initiative on pater- and I have to admit I wasn’t particu- tural scene, and by showing appreci- nity leave will generate further de- larly talented. ation for all the work done by clubs bate, which shows that the topic is of and associations. interest to the public. I see art as the most innovative ele- ment of culture, but culture provides When my film Home was screened Ursula Meier is an internation- access to art. It is an incentive to in the US – the story of a family liv- ally renowned film maker. The explore further. When debates arise ing by the side of a motorway cut film Home, starring Isabelle about the dichotomy between culture off from the rest of the world – film Huppert, was selected for the and art, the intention is usually to jus- critics there asked me if the film Cannes film festival and re- tify cutbacks on the funding culture was a metaphor for Europe’s place ceived numerous awards. In relies on in order to flourish. I try to in the world. And when the film was 2012 L’enfant d’en haut, star- ensure that an artistic elite isn’t played screened in Europe I was asked if it ring Léa Seydoux and Kacey off against a broader public which was a metaphor for Switzerland’s Mottet Klein, won a Silver Bear identifies with traditional popular place in Europe. at the Berlin International Film culture. The dichotomy is totally out- That’s not how I interpreted your film Festival. Just like Home in dated. at all. For me the isolation depicted in 2010, the film won three Swiss Home is a metaphor for the period of film awards, including Best uncertainty that we have been expe- Film, and it was Switzerland’s riencing for a number of years now. SWITZERLAND entry for that year’s Oscars. Switzerland’s isolation is a myth. In Ursula Meier will finish work reality Switzerland is one of the most “The challenge on her new film, Journal de ma open countries in the world. It’s often tête, starring Fanny Ardant and been involved in the great social is to maintain Kacey Mottet Klein, early this movements down the ages, like the year. a critical Reformation, for example. It is a world leader in multilateralism, espe- approach to cially given the importance of Inter- national Geneva, and with the Gott- images and hard tunnel it provides a key transport route through Europe. information.” Contemporary art often makes po- litical statements on subjects such as power, money, relationships, im- I was born in 1971, the year the ages, language, the body, reality vote was held on women’s voting and others. Why does politics not rights at federal level. According to show greater interest in these inno- a World Economic Forum report on vative works, which examine other gender equality, Switzerland has forms of coexistence? fallen from 11th to 21st place, On the contrary, I think that there is while the Nordic countries remain a great deal of contact between art uncontested leaders at the top of and politics, although it’s not an in- the rankings. How do you explain stitutionalised relationship. Connec- that? tions often come about unconsciously. Women’s involvement in political There are also times when the two and economic life remains a major sides don’t understand one another, issue. We have taken a host of meas- when tensions exist, which can lead ures to bring about change, but ad- to interesting debates about politics mittedly some other countries are and society.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • CTA at 150 Panellist Profiles A5
    Ignazio Cassis, Vice-President of the Federal Council and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Switzerland For the two years prior to his election to the Federal Council, Mr Cassis, a doctor of medicine, was president of the parliamentary group of the FDP. The Liberals, of which he was a member since his election to the National Council in 2007. His political career began in 2004 with his election to the legislative authority of the Ticino municipality of Collina d'Oro. Between 2008 and 2012, Mr Cassis held the office of Vice-President of the Swiss Medical Association (FMH). Prior to that, from 1996 he was cantonal physician for the Canton of Ticino. Between 1988 and 1996 he worked as a doctor. Ignazio Cassis graduated in 1998, specialising in internal medicine and also in prevention and public health. Prior to that, he had obtained a master's degree in public health (MPH) from the University of Geneva in 1996. He graduated from the University of Zurich in 1988 with a degree in human medicine. Peter Maurer, President, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Peter Maurer is the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (appointed in 2012). Under his leadership, the ICRC carries out humanitarian work in over 80 countries. As President, Mr Maurer has a unique exposure to today's main armed conflicts and the challenges of assisting and protecting people in need. He travels regularly to the major conflict theatres of the world including Syria, Iraq, Yemen, South Sudan and Myanmar. As the ICRC’s chief diplomat, and through the ICRC’s principled, neutral approach, Mr Maurer regularly meets with heads of states and other high-level officials as well as parties to conflict, to find solutions to pressing humanitarian concerns.
    [Show full text]
  • Rapporto Sulla Politica Estera 2015 Del 13 Gennaio 2016
    16.009 Rapporto sulla politica estera 2015 del 13 gennaio 2016 Onorevoli presidenti e consiglieri, vi sottoponiamo, affinché ne prendiate atto, il rapporto sulla politica estera 2015. Gradite, onorevoli presidenti e consiglieri, l’espressione della nostra alta conside- razione. 13 gennaio 2016 In nome del Consiglio federale svizzero: Il presidente della Confederazione, Johann N. Schneider-Ammann Il cancelliere della Confederazione, Walter Thurnherr 2015-2490 469 Compendio Il rapporto sulla politica estera 2015 offre una panoramica della politica estera svizzera nell’anno in rassegna. Nella forma e nella struttura è conforme alla decisione del Consiglio federale del 2011 che conferisce al Dipartimento federale degli affari esteri (DFAE) il mandato di sottoporgli ogni anno un resoconto sulle attività di politica estera condotte dalla Svizzera. Conformemente al postulato della Commissione della politica estera del Consiglio degli Stati (06.3417), che chiedeva un compendio di tutti i rapporti concernenti la politica estera pubblicati periodicamente, il presente rapporto è inoltre completato da un allegato sulle attività della Svizzera nel Consiglio d’Europa. In adempimento della mozione 10.3212 Chiaro orientamento strategico della politi- ca estera, nel febbraio del 2012 il Consiglio federale ha adottato il rapporto sugli indirizzi strategici della politica estera per la legislatura (strategia di politica estera 2012–2015). Nel rapporto figurano gli indirizzi strategici seguenti: relazioni con gli Stati confinanti, rapporti con l’Unione europea (UE), stabilità in Europa e nel resto del mondo, partenariati strategici extraeuropei e governance globale. Una buona parte del rapporto sulla politica estera 2015 è strutturata in funzione di tali indirizzi e illustra le modalità con cui nell’anno in rassegna si è provveduto alla loro attua- zione.
    [Show full text]
  • Switzerland in the Second World War
    To Our American Friends: Switzerland in the Second World War By Dr. Hans J. Halbheer, CBE Honorary Secretary of the American Swiss Foundation Advisory Council in Switzerland and a Visiting Scholar at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, California Dr. Halbheer wrote the following essay in 1999 to offer a Swiss perspective on some issues of the recent controversy to American friends of Switzerland. In addressing the arguments raised by U.S. critics of the role of Switzerland during the Second World War, I am motivated both by my feelings of friendship towards America and by my Swiss patriotism. For both of these reasons, I feel deeply hurt by both the charges against my country and the vehemence with which they have been expressed. During a recent period of residency at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, one of the leading U.S. think tanks, I sought to present my personal standpoint regarding the lack of understanding about Switzerland’s role during the Second World War in many discussions with Americans both young and old. On these occasions, I emphasized my awareness of the fact that the criticisms of Switzerland came only from a small number of Americans. Despite the settlement reached in August 1998 between the two major Swiss banks (Credit Suisse Group and UBS) and two Jewish organizations (the World Jewish Congress and the World Jewish Restitution Organization), the matter has still not run its course, although it has widely disappeared from the American media. Unfortunately, I must maintain that as a result of the generally negative portrayal of Switzerland over the past few years, the image of Switzerland has suffered.
    [Show full text]
  • Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2020 Remarks Prior to a Meeting
    Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2020 Remarks Prior to a Meeting With President Simonetta Sommaruga of Switzerland and an Exchange With Reporters in Davos, Switzerland January 21, 2020 President Trump. Okay, thank you very much, everybody. President Sommaruga. Yes, please have a seat. President Trump. And we'll be having a meeting largely based on trade, President of Switzerland and representatives from Switzerland. And we have a tremendous relationship. We're working on other matters also that are very interesting. But today we're going to be discussing largely trade with Switzerland. They'd like to do an agreement, and we'll see what we can do. And thank you all for being with us. Thank you very much. President Sommaruga. Thank you, Mr. President. President Trump. Thank you. President Sommaruga. So, welcome. A warm welcome to you, to your delegation. We're very glad to have you here. We are glad to continue our contacts. President Trump. Yes. President Sommaruga. You had a contact with my predecessor last year that was—— President Trump. That's right. That's right. President Sommaruga. ——very great. And, well, you know that Switzerland President has only for 1 year. President Trump. Right. President Sommaruga. So you can see the diversity of Swiss Presidents. [Laughter] We have different languages. Mr. Parmelin, he will be the President next year. President Trump. Right. Wow. Good. President Sommaruga. And you can talk in French to him. President Trump. Good. [Laughter] President Sommaruga. And Mr. Maurer is speaking German. Afterwards, it will be Mr. Cassis; he's Italian speaking.
    [Show full text]
  • Switzerland-Suisse-En.Pdf
    Switzerland Official Title: Swiss Confederation General Information: Capital Bern Population (million) 8.61n/a Total Area 41,290 km² Currency 1 CAN$=0.697 Swiss franc (CHF) (2020 - Annual average) National Holiday August 1, Confederation day Language(s) German, French, Italian, Romansch Political Information: Type of State Confederation Type of Government Parliamentary democracy. Bicameral Federal Assembly with a 46-seat Council of States (Ständerat) (upper house) and a 200-seat National Council (Nationalrat ). The Federal Council (cabinet) consists of seven members elected by the Federal Assembly (both Houses) and elects the president for a one year term. The President of the Federal Council is both Head of Bilateral Product trade State and of Government. Administrative divisions: 26 cantons. Governing coalition: Social Canada - Switzerland Democrats (SP), Liberal Democratic Party (FDP), Swiss People’s Party (SVP), Christian 10000 Democratic People’s Party (CVP). 8000 Balance 6000 Head of State Head of Government 4000 Can. President President Exports 2000 Guy Parmelin Guy Parmelin Can. Millions 0 Imports -2000 Total Trade Ministers: Foreign Affairs: Ignazio Cassis (FDP) -4000 Finance: Ueli Maurer(SVP) -6000 Economic Affairs: Guy Parmelin (SVP) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Statistics Canada Main Political Parties Swiss People’s Party (SVP), Social Democrats (SP), Christian Democratic People’s Party Canadian Imports (CVP), Liberal Democratic Party (FDP), Green Party (Grünen), Conservative Democratic Party from: Switzerland (BDP), Green Liberal Party (GLP). National Council: SVP (53); SP (39); FDP (29); Grünen(28); CVP (25); GLP (16); BDP (3); Chemical Prod. other parties (7) Council of States: CVP (13); SD (12); FDP (13); SVP (5); Grünen (1); CDP (1); other parties (1) Precio us M etals/ stones Specialized Inst.
    [Show full text]
  • INTRODUCTION 1. Charles Esdaile, the Wars of Napoleon (New York, 1995), Ix; Philip Dwyer, “Preface,” Napoleon and Europe, E
    Notes INTRODUCTION 1. Charles Esdaile, The Wars of Napoleon (New York, 1995), ix; Philip Dwyer, “Preface,” Napoleon and Europe, ed. Philip Dwyer (London, 2001), ix. 2. Michael Broers, Europe under Napoleon, 1799–1815 (London, 1996), 3. 3. An exception to the Franco-centric bibliography in English prior to the last decade is Owen Connelly, Napoleon’s Satellite Kingdoms (New York, 1965). Connelly discusses the developments in five satellite kingdoms: Italy, Naples, Holland, Westphalia, and Spain. Two other important works that appeared before 1990, which explore the internal developments in two countries during the Napoleonic period, are Gabriel Lovett, Napoleon and the Birth of Modern Spain (New York, 1965) and Simon Schama, Patriots and Liberators: Revolution in the Netherlands, 1780–1813 (London, 1977). 4. Stuart Woolf, Napoleon’s Integration of Europe (London and New York, 1991), 8–13. 5. Geoffrey Ellis, “The Nature of Napoleonic Imperialism,” Napoleon and Europe, ed. Philip Dwyer (London, 2001), 102–5; Broers, Europe under Napoleon, passim. 1 THE FORMATION OF THE NAPOLEONIC EMPIRE 1. Geoffrey Ellis, “The Nature of Napoleonic Imperialism,” Napoleon and Europe, ed. Philip Dwyer (London, 2001), 105. 2. Martyn Lyons, Napoleon Bonaparte and the Legacy of the French Revolution (New York, 1994), 43. 3. Ellis, “The Nature,” 104–5. 4. On the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and international relations, see Tim Blanning, The French Revolutionary Wars, 1787–1802 (London, 1996); David Chandler, The Campaigns of Napoleon: the Mind and Method of History’s Greatest Soldier (London, 1966); Owen Connelly, Blundering to Glory: Napoleon’s Military 212 Notes 213 Campaigns (Wilmington, DE, 1987); J.
    [Show full text]
  • SWISS REVIEW the Magazine for the Swiss Abroad February 2016
    SWISS REVIEW The magazine for the Swiss Abroad February 2016 80 years of Dimitri – an interview with the irrepressible clown February referenda – focus on the second Gotthard tunnel Vaping without nicotine – the e-cigarette becomes a political issue In 2016, the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad celebrates 100 years of service to the Fifth Switzerland. E-Voting, bank relations, consular representation; which combat is the most important to you? Join in the discussions on SwissCommunity.org! connects Swiss people across the world > You can also take part in the discussions at SwissCommunity.org > Register now for free and connect with the world SwissCommunity.org is a network set up by the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) SwissCommunity-Partner: Contents Editorial 3 Dear readers 4 Mailbag I hope you have had a good start to the new year. 2016 is a year of anniversaries for us. We will celebrate 25 5 Books years of the Area for the Swiss Abroad in Brunnen this “Eins im Andern” by Monique Schwitter April, then 100 years of the OSA in the summer. Over the course of those 100 years, hundreds of thousands 6 Images of people have emigrated from Switzerland out of ne- Everyday inventions cessity or curiosity, or for professional, family or other reasons. The OSA is there for them as they live out their 8 Focus life stories. Its mission is to support Swiss people living abroad in a variety of Switzerland and the refugee crisis ways. It too is constantly changing. “Swiss Review” has had a new editor-in-chief since the beginning of No- 12 Politics vember.
    [Show full text]
  • CRUSHED HOPES: Underemployment and Deskilling Among Skilled Migrant Women
    CRUSHED HOPES: Underemployment and deskilling among skilled migrant women International Organization for Migration (IOM) The opinions expressed in the report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout the report do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IOM concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning its frontiers or boundaries. _______________ IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As an intergovernmental organization, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration; and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants. Publisher: International Organization for Migration 17, route des Morillons 1211 Geneva 19 Switzerland Tel: + 41 22 717 91 11 Fax: + 41 22 798 61 50 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.iom.int _______________ © 2012 International Organization for Migration (IOM) _______________ All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher. 51_12 CRUSHED HOPES: Underemployment and deskilling among skilled migrant women International Organization for Migration (IOM) ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The International Organization for Migration (IOM) wishes to thank the following individuals for their contributions at various stages of the project; first and foremost, the authors of the cases studies: Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Swiss Or Foreign Women? Why the Tfr Is a Misleading Measure
    LIVES WORKING PAPER 2018 / 73 WHO HAS MORE CHILDREN IN SWITZERLAND: SWISS OR FOREIGN WOMEN? WHY THE TFR IS A MISLEADING MEASURE MARION BURKIMSHER; CLÉMENTINE ROSSIER; PHILIPPE WANNER RESEARCH PAPER http://dx.doi.org/10.12682/lives.2296-1658.2018.73 ISSN 2296-1658 The National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR) are a research instrument of the Swiss National Science Foundation LIVES Working Papers – Burkimsher et al. Author s Burkimsher, M. (1) Rossier, C. (2) Wanner, P. (2) Abstract The Swiss Federal Statistical Office publishes data showing that the TFR of foreign women is much higher than for Swiss women. However, statistics from household registration (STATPOP) and from the Family and Generations Survey (FGS) indicate that foreigners have slightly smaller families than Swiss women. How can we reconcile this apparent contradiction? To do this we follow the fertility of cohorts of Swiss and foreign women through their reproductive life. In addition to birth registrations and population totals by age (the input data for calculating the TFR) we also include data on how many children women have at the time of their immigration, emigration and naturalisation. Using these input data, we compiled the fertility profiles of Swiss and foreign women aged 15-49 (cohorts 1965-2001); these correspond well with the FGS and household register data. Most immigrants arrive childless and start childbearing in the years following arrival; hence, younger foreign women in Switzerland have higher fertility than Swiss women. However, the ongoing inflow of low fertility women ‘dilutes’ the average fertility of older foreign women. Naturalisation–which is more frequent for women with children–significantly impacts the fertility profile of ‘Swiss’ and ‘foreign’ women.
    [Show full text]
  • A Concise History of Switzerland Clive H
    Cambridge University Press 978-0-521-19444-0 - A Concise History of Switzerland Clive H. Church and Randolph C. Head Frontmatter More information ACONCISEHISTORYOFSWITZERLAND Despite its position at the heart of Europe and its quintessentially European nature, Switzerland’s history is often overlooked within the English-speaking world. This comprehensive and engaging history of Switzerland traces the historical and cultural development of this fasci- nating but neglected European country from the end of the Dark Ages up to the present. The authors focus on the initial Confederacy of the Middle Ages; the religious divisions which threatened it after 1500 and its surprising survival amongst Europe’s monarchies; the turmoil fol- lowing the French Revolution and conquest, which continued until the Federal Constitution of 1848; the testing of the Swiss nation through the late nineteenth century and then two World Wars and the Depression of the 1930s; and the unparalleled economic and social growth and polit- ical success of the post-war era. The book concludes with a discussion of the contemporary challenges, often shared with neighbours, that shape the country today. CLIVE H. CHURCH is Emeritus Professor of European Studies at the University of Kent, Canterbury. He has also been a Fellow of the French CNRS, a Visiting Professor at the University of Sussex and a National Research Fund Fellow at the Universität Freiburg in Switzerland. His recent publications include Swiss Politics and Government (2004) and, as editor, Switzerland and the EU (2006). RANDOLPH C. HEAD is Professor of European History at the University of California Riverside. He has held fellowships from the Institute for Advanced Study, the American Philosophical Society and the Newberry Library.
    [Show full text]
  • 2021 the Swiss Confederation a Brief Guide
    The Swiss Confederation 2021 a brief guide Get the app! CH info The R iver Aare mean ders it s way It is ov th erlooked by t roug he h Federa Be l Pal rn. ace, the hea rt of S w iss po lit ica l li fe . Preface “Democratic proce- Dear Reader Political developments in recent years show that not every dures take longer, but country has to remain democratic just because it once was. In fact, democratic processes are increasingly being called provide more stability into question because they allegedly produce ‘the wrong outcome’. Reference is made to lower COVID-19 case num- and engender greater bers in authoritarian states or to higher economic growth rates. Some peevishly ask whether the urgent problems of acceptance in the long today can ever be resolved through lengthy democratic term.” procedures and compromises. Federal Chancellor Walter Thurnherr Those who argue in this way have not understood the es- sence of democracy. There are countries where the govern- ment controls the people. And there are countries where the people control the government. Democracies fall under the second category. It is true that even authoritarian regimes sometimes make decisions that are supported by the majority. But there are no rules defining how the majority can overturn decisions if they no longer agree with them. Democratic procedures take longer, but over the years, they provide more stability and engender greater acceptance. Those who want to preserve democracy respect the institu- tions, the independence of the courts, the competences of the different powers and the fundamental values of the con- stitution.
    [Show full text]
  • Linguistic Differences in Swiss Cantons and Its Role on the National Identity
    SIT Graduate Institute/SIT Study Abroad SIT Digital Collections Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection SIT Study Abroad Spring 2020 Linguistic Differences in Swiss cantons and its role on the national identity Karen Lin SIT Study Abroad Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection Part of the Anthropological Linguistics and Sociolinguistics Commons, Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Diplomatic History Commons, European History Commons, European Languages and Societies Commons, International Relations Commons, and the Peace and Conflict Studies Commons Recommended Citation Lin, Karen, "Linguistic Differences in Swiss cantons and its role on the national identity" (2020). Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection. 3291. https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection/3291 This Unpublished Paper is brought to you for free and open access by the SIT Study Abroad at SIT Digital Collections. It has been accepted for inclusion in Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection by an authorized administrator of SIT Digital Collections. For more information, please contact [email protected]. 1 Linguistic Differences in Swiss cantons and its role on the national identity Karen Lin Spring Semester ‘20 SIT Switzerland International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy Dr. Heikki Mattila Dr. Gyula Csurgai Hamilton College Psychology 2 Abstract Switzerland is home to four national languages followed with a positive image on the international stage as a linguistically diverse country. In Swiss history, there has never been a record of a civil war or tensions between linguistic groups raising the question of what accounts for the national identity. The Swiss do not follow the typical definition in nationalism leading to an investigation on establishing the factors that comprise of the Swiss national identity and its effect on the political system.
    [Show full text]