Swiss Passport

Question 49 of 350 · Initiative and referendum

Through a popular initiative …

Durch eine Volksinitiative kann …

Correct answer: B

  1. Athe National Council and the Council of States can be removed from office.der National- und Ständerat abgesetzt werden.
  2. Bthe Federal Constitution can be amended.die Bundesverfassung geändert werden.
  3. Cinternational law can be amended.das Völkerrecht geändert werden.
  4. Dthe Federal Council can be replaced.der Bundesrat ausgetauscht werden.

Why

At federal level, a popular initiative always calls for an amendment to the Federal Constitution. Parliament must then implement the new rules.

Common mistakes

C: international law can be amended.
International law applies between states. Switzerland cannot change it alone, and every initiative must respect mandatory international law.
D: the Federal Council can be replaced.
The Federal Council is elected by the Federal Assembly. An initiative cannot replace it.
A: the National Council and the Council of States can be removed from office.
The National Council and the Council of States are elected by the people and remain in office until the next elections.

Topic

The popular initiative: amending the Constitution

With a popular initiative, the people themselves bring in a new idea. A group of citizens proposes an amendment to the Federal Constitution. In this way important concerns of the population come to a vote, even if the government and Parliament do not want them. That is why the initiative is an important political right.

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.