My country of choice is Switzerland. The official name is the Swiss Confederation.
Switzerland is a country within Europe and shares a border with four countries, Italy,
France, Germany, and Austria. The population of Switzerland is 8,292,809.
On a Federal level, Switzerland is governed under a federal system at three levels: the
Confederation, the cantons, and the communes, and has adopted a Constitution similar to
the one of the United States of America. The constitution of the United States of America
is known to be the basis and foundation that holds the more significant rules for the
proper functioning of the state. It ensures the fundamental rights and freedom of the
people.
The constitution in Switzerland was adopted in 1848 and altered and corrected in 1874
because the previous constitution became difficult to understand and apply, so as a result,
the new constitution included the many amendments made in the prior 125 years. The
altered constitution was approved by 3/5 voters and eventually came into force in the year
2000. The Constitution spreads obligations to and from the confederation as well as the
cantons. In addition, the constitution defines the roles, responsibilities, and duties of each
authority.
The confederation has power in all areas that may involve or affect Swiss citizens
through the constitution. However, cases that do not fall within the capacity of the
confederation are usually handled by the cantons. Switzerland is a federal republic with a
highly decentralized political power and it practices a semi-direct democracy in which
Swiss citizens directly vote on various issues.1
Switzerland is made up of 26 cantons, 20 full cantons, and 6 half cantons. Cantons are
member states in the Swiss confederation that are similar to the states in the United States
Of America, this means that each canton and a half canton has its own money and army
and is made up of a constitution, a parliament, a government, and multiple courts2. The
government of every canton has five, seven, and nine members, and the parliament of
every canton holds between 58 to 200 seats. There are only two cantons that have direct
democracy, which is called ‘Appenzell-Innerrhoden’ and ‘Glarus’ 3. Every other canton
makes its decisions using the ballot box or in other words a vote. Communes are also
known as municipalities, are the smallest government section in Switzerland.
Switzerland is a liberalist country or what is also known as a capitalist country, which
means the standards of production are managed by private businesses. In other words,
1
Abrams, S., & Fiorina, M. (2012). ‘The big sort’ that wasn’t: A skeptical reexamination. PS: Political Science & Politics, 45(2),
203–210. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1049096512000017
2
https://www.nyulawglobal.org/globalex/Switzerland1.html#_edn1
3
https://www.ukessays.com/essays/international-studies/switzerland-history-politics-and-criminal-justice-system.php
Switzerland is a country within Europe and shares a border with four countries, Italy,
France, Germany, and Austria. The population of Switzerland is 8,292,809.
On a Federal level, Switzerland is governed under a federal system at three levels: the
Confederation, the cantons, and the communes, and has adopted a Constitution similar to
the one of the United States of America. The constitution of the United States of America
is known to be the basis and foundation that holds the more significant rules for the
proper functioning of the state. It ensures the fundamental rights and freedom of the
people.
The constitution in Switzerland was adopted in 1848 and altered and corrected in 1874
because the previous constitution became difficult to understand and apply, so as a result,
the new constitution included the many amendments made in the prior 125 years. The
altered constitution was approved by 3/5 voters and eventually came into force in the year
2000. The Constitution spreads obligations to and from the confederation as well as the
cantons. In addition, the constitution defines the roles, responsibilities, and duties of each
authority.
The confederation has power in all areas that may involve or affect Swiss citizens
through the constitution. However, cases that do not fall within the capacity of the
confederation are usually handled by the cantons. Switzerland is a federal republic with a
highly decentralized political power and it practices a semi-direct democracy in which
Swiss citizens directly vote on various issues.1
Switzerland is made up of 26 cantons, 20 full cantons, and 6 half cantons. Cantons are
member states in the Swiss confederation that are similar to the states in the United States
Of America, this means that each canton and a half canton has its own money and army
and is made up of a constitution, a parliament, a government, and multiple courts2. The
government of every canton has five, seven, and nine members, and the parliament of
every canton holds between 58 to 200 seats. There are only two cantons that have direct
democracy, which is called ‘Appenzell-Innerrhoden’ and ‘Glarus’ 3. Every other canton
makes its decisions using the ballot box or in other words a vote. Communes are also
known as municipalities, are the smallest government section in Switzerland.
Switzerland is a liberalist country or what is also known as a capitalist country, which
means the standards of production are managed by private businesses. In other words,
1
Abrams, S., & Fiorina, M. (2012). ‘The big sort’ that wasn’t: A skeptical reexamination. PS: Political Science & Politics, 45(2),
203–210. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1049096512000017
2
https://www.nyulawglobal.org/globalex/Switzerland1.html#_edn1
3
https://www.ukessays.com/essays/international-studies/switzerland-history-politics-and-criminal-justice-system.php
