Swiss Passport

Question 31 of 350 · Initiative and referendum

How can Swiss citizens influence legislation?

Wie können Schweizer Bürgerinnen und Bürger auf die Gesetzgebung Einfluss nehmen?

Correct answer: A

  1. AThey can vote on initiatives and referendums.Sie können über Initiativen und Referenden abstimmen.
  2. BThey have no direct way of exerting influence.Sie haben keine direkte Einflussmöglichkeit.
  3. CThey can join a political party.Sie können einer Partei beitreten.
  4. DThey can elect the Federal Council.Sie können den Bundesrat wählen.

Why

Initiatives and referendums give the people the last word on the Constitution and laws. That is direct influence on legislation.

Common mistakes

C: They can join a political party.
In a party you can take part in discussions. But that is only an indirect way. You decide directly with initiatives and referendums.
D: They can elect the Federal Council.
The Federal Council is elected by the Federal Assembly, not by the people.
B: They have no direct way of exerting influence.
Switzerland is a direct democracy. The people have a great deal of direct influence.

Topic

Direct democracy at a glance

Switzerland is a semi-direct democracy. The people elect Parliament, and Parliament makes the laws. But in addition, the people also decide directly on specific issues. There are popular votes several times a year. This is rare worldwide. In many other countries the people only elect the parliament and do not decide on laws themselves. This is called indirect democracy.

Having a say: rights and obligations · Initiative and referendum

Sources

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