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.

First a committee collects signatures. It needs 100'000 valid signatures within 18 months. All voters may sign, including Swiss abroad. Then Parliament debates the initiative and gives a recommendation. It can also make a counter-proposal. Finally, the people and the cantons vote on it.

At federal level an initiative always amends the Federal Constitution, not a law directly. It cannot remove Parliament from office and cannot replace the Federal Council. It may also not violate mandatory international law, for example the prohibition of torture. An initiative is only accepted if the people and the cantons say yes.

Memory aid: Initiative = idea, something new: 100'000 signatures in 18 months. Referendum = stop: 50'000 in 100 days.