Swiss politics for dummies. (Politics).

Switzerland's political landscape is distinguished by its uniqueness, complexity and, most of all, its tradition. Direct democracy rules, allowing the people and not politicians alone to play a distinctive role in plotting the course of Swiss politics in turbulent times. Here are the ABCs of the Swiss political system.

The political process by which a proposed legislation is created, deliberated and even berated on the way to presentation to the Swiss parliament for review and enactment into law paints a puzzling picture for the average citizen and, at times, even for the political players. Moreover, depending on the issue at hand -- for instance, the revision of drug laws, the restructuring of the tourism industry, or the federal statute governing human embryo research, among others--this political consultation process could take the straight-and-narrow path or the long-and-winding road.

Creating Laws

The legislative procedure can be triggered by either the people, the cantons, the federal Council, or the Federal Assembly itself. Once the draft bills are proposed and presented, they become the focus of thorough deliberations. Certain draft legislations appear to have political legs of their own, marching through parliamentary review with minimal resistance, while other bills often spark fiery debates among the various parties, getting "hung up" in the Federal Assembly. Some popular initiatives that are currently running the maze of parliamentary deliberations include initiative for better animal rights, the gold initiative, the nuclear-free energy initiative and the automobile-free-Sunday initiative.

In essence, the political process in Switzerland is largely shaped by a flurry of debate-both public and private, sometimes dogmatic and often lively, involving any and all interested parties, cantons, governmental bodies and the body of citizens. (However, between 1991 and 1995, the federal government had already initiated the vast majority of legislation in Switzerland by submitting roughly 95 per cent of all draft bills to parliament.)

The Political Players

Switzerland has its Federal Council comprising a close-knit group of seven politicians. The Council oversees Switzerland's political system. It submits proposals for amending laws, awards public contracts, elects government officials and supervises their activities, and ensures that the cantons conform to federal laws.

Members of the Federal Council are elected every four years by the Federal Assembly (meeting of both houses) in separate ballots. Noteworthy is that the election of incumbents does not usually present any problems. In the last hundred years, no member of the Federal Council has ever been voted out of office against his will.

The Swiss Federal Assembly is organized into a two-house system similar to that in the U.S. The National Council, comprising 200 members (one seat per 35,000 residents, and at least one member from each canton) represents the people, while the Council of States (consisting of 46 members, two from each canton) represents the cantons. Both houses are responsible for creating and passing laws, but the Swiss have the final word through the power of referendum.

People and Referendums

No other country in the world bestows upon its citizens the right to co-determine its political destiny like Switzerland. And compared with other European countries, Switzerland not only holds more referendums more frequently, but also gives the populace a greater voice in shaping the issues that are laid out on the political table.

Indeed, the Swiss have an array of opportunities at their disposal for oiling the political machinery. But the maze of Swiss ballots, petitions, initiatives and referendums is often hard to follow. Basically, every citizen is empowered to initiate an amendment to the constitution, propose new laws or challenge administrative procedures simply by gathering 100,000 signatures from likeminded voters within 18 months. This initiative can then only be passed by means of a referendum, requiring thumbs-up by the majority of both the populace and 26 cantons. Furthermore, these initiatives can only be born and raised by the people--what the Swiss call the epitome of direct democracy.

Referendums are either mandatory or optional. Optional referendums provide the people with veto power over most federal laws and some treaties, as well as parliamentary actions. At least 50,000 citizens must sign up within 100 days of decree. Mandatory referendums are carried out for popular initiatives on amending the constitution and issues such as UN membership and "Yes to Europe." In addition, any citizen with any opinion to voice is entitled to express that view in the form of a petition, which is presented to the government for consideration and, almost always, receives a response.

According to data compiled by the Swiss Federal Statistical Department (as of 2001), of the 4,712,223 registered voters in the country, roughly half take their politics seriously and vote.

Informal Aspects of the Swiss Political System

The Federal Council is elected according to a so-called magic formula established in 1959. The magic formula is an unwritten and unofficial balance-of-power arrangement not defined in the Swiss Constitution. According to this formula, each party is represented in the Federal Council based on the the number of seats it holds in the lower house of parliament (National Council).

Political concordance is one of the most important features of Swiss politics and a central element of consensus democracy. In many cases, majority rule ignores the wishes of the minority, whereas consensus democracy aims at involving as many people as possible in the decision-making process.

The Politics of Tradition

Through out its 711-year history, one aspect of Swiss politics has endured; tradition. In this regard, two dates stand out as the most significant time markers. In 1291, men of three mountain valleys swore allegiance--the so-called Reutli Oath--affirming their commitment to co-existence, cooperation and co-determination. The political system in its current form did not take shape until 1848, when a new constitution emerged, ushering in principles of staunch federalism and direct democracy that have never been seriously challenged.

The year 2002 also represents a sea change in Swiss politics, finally marking the nation's membership in the United Nations Organization.

Indeed, some say Switzerland has reached a political crossroads, while others contend that the country will always be regarded as an island of direct democracy in often-turbulent waters.