The Government and Political System in Switzerland

Switzerland is formally a confederation but similar in structure to a federal republic. For administrative purposes, Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons. The Swiss Government consists of the seven members of the Federal Council who are elected by the United Federal Assembly for a four-year mandate. The President of the Swiss Confederation is elected for one year and is regarded as Primus inter pares, or first among equals, for this period. She leads the meetings of the Federal Council and undertakes special representational duties. In 2007 this office is held by Micheline Calmy-Rey.

The Federal Council is assisted and advised on the running of its business by the Federal Chancellery. The Chancellor attends weekly cabinet meetings in a consultative capacity, and is sometimes referred to unofficially as "the 8th councillor."

The Swiss people can influence political affairs through the highly developed system of direct democracy. Swiss citizens can both propose legislation of their own, or thwart legislation already approved by parliament. The only case in which parliament can override this right is if it decides that the motion being proposed is unconstitutional, or if it violates international law.