Swiss Passport

Question 6 of 350 · Initiative and referendum

Can voters stop a new law?

Können die Stimmbürgerinnen und Stimmbürger ein neues Gesetz stoppen?

Correct answer: D

  1. AYes, with an initiativeJa - mit einer Initiative
  2. BNo, only the Federal Council can change lawsNein - nur der Bundesrat kann Gesetze ändern
  3. CNo, only the National Council can change lawsNein - nur der Nationalrat kann Gesetze ändern
  4. DYes, with a referendumJa - mit einem Referendum

Why

With a referendum, the people can vote on a new law before it applies. If the majority says no, the law does not come into force.

Common mistakes

A: Yes, with an initiative
An initiative proposes something new for the Constitution. To stop a law passed by Parliament, you need a referendum.
B: No, only the Federal Council can change laws
Laws are made by Parliament, not by the Federal Council. And the people can stop them with a referendum.
C: No, only the National Council can change laws
The National Council does not decide alone; the Council of States must also agree. The people can have the last word.

Topic

The referendum: stopping a law

Parliament makes the laws. The National Council and the Council of States pass them together. But the people can stop a new law. The tool for this is called a referendum. In a referendum the people say yes or no to a decision that Parliament has already made.

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.