Question 60 of 350 · Federalism: Confederation, cantons, municipalities
Switzerland is a federal state with three levels of government. What is the highest level?
Die Schweiz ist ein föderalistischer Staat mit drei Staatsebenen. Was ist die oberste Ebene?
Correct answer: C
Why
The Confederation covers all of Switzerland. That is why it is the highest level of government, above the cantons and municipalities.
Common mistakes
- B: the canton
- The canton is the middle level. The Confederation is above the cantons.
- D: the region
- Regions are not a level of government in Switzerland. The three levels are Confederation, canton and municipality.
Topic
Three levels of government and 26 cantons
Switzerland is a federal state. Federalism means: power is distributed across several levels. Switzerland has three levels of government. The highest level is the Confederation, that is the whole of Switzerland. The middle level is the cantons. The lowest level is the municipalities. Each level has its own tasks, its own authorities and levies its own taxes.
How the state works · Federalism: Confederation, cantons, municipalities
Sources
Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.