Swiss Passport

Question 117 of 350 · Municipalities and the city of Zurich

What happens at a municipal assembly (Gemeindeversammlung)?

Was passiert an einer Gemeindeversammlung?

Correct answer: A

  1. AThe voters decide on the budget.Die Stimmbürgerinnen und Stimmbürger entscheiden über das Budget.
  2. BThe residents celebrate a festival.Die Einwohnerinnen und Einwohner feiern ein Fest.
  3. CThe voters elect the head of the fire service.Die Stimmbürgerinnen und Stimmbürger wählen den Chef oder die Chefin der Feuerwehr.
  4. DThe voters pass new national laws.Die Stimmbürgerinnen und Stimmbürger beschliessen neue nationale Gesetze.

Why

At the municipal assembly, the people entitled to vote decide directly on important matters, for example on the budget.

Common mistakes

D: The voters pass new national laws.
National laws are passed by the Federal Parliament, not by the municipality.
C: The voters elect the head of the fire service.
The head of the fire service is not elected at the municipal assembly, but appointed by the authorities.

Topic

Municipal assembly, municipal council, City Council

In the canton of Zurich there are 160 political municipalities (as of 2026). The learning brochures say «over 150». In the past there were more. Some municipalities have merged; this is called a municipal merger. The largest municipality is the city of Zurich; many others are small villages. In all municipalities, citizens have a say by taking part in elections and popular votes. The ballot papers are counted by the electoral office.

Canton and municipality of Zurich · Municipalities and the city of Zurich

Sources

Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.