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Way to White House How Swiss is the US electoral system?

The US electoral system may seem rather unique, but it actually has a lot in common with Switzerland’s brand of democracy. Here’s how they compare.

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Direct Democracy The story of the ballot paper

By

Thomas Hodel

Every four years politicians and parties compete for the attention of the Swiss public in parliamentary elections. To cast their vote, citizens ...

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Handy booklet Direct democracy also has its user guide

By

Alexander Thoele

In a country where people are called to the ballot box several times a year, Swiss citizens are sometimes confronted with complex issues. To help ...

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Teaching democracy Political training through role playing

When young adults reach the age of legal majority, they can finally vote and help to shape their world. But most of them still do not exercise ...

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The two chamber system How parliamentary elections work in Switzerland

By

Michele Andina

Every four years the Swiss elect political representatives. Parliament is split into two chambers to balance the interests of the different cantons.

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Direct democracy What is civic education?

By

Michele Andina

Switzerland gives its citizens the chance to play a direct part in political decision-making. Although direct democracy is not unique to ...

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Direct democracy What’s a referendum?

By

Michele Andina

Switzerland gives its citizens the chance to play a direct part in political decision-making. Although direct democracy is not unique to ...

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Campus for Democracy Getting young people interested in politics

In an election year such as this, more importance is attached to getting young people involved in politics. (SRF/swissinfo.ch)

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Direct democracy What’s a people’s or citizens’ initiative?

By

Michele Andina

Switzerland gives its citizens the chance to play a direct part in political decision-making. Although direct democracy is not unique to ...

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See in other languages: 6

Swiss tour Armenians get insights into direct democracy

By

Renat Kuenzi, swissinfo.ch

“Urir Jorowrtawarutiun", "Chorherdaran", "Federal Tun" - wrapping my ears around the Caucasian storm of consonants, sibilants and throaty noises ...

Switzerland’s direct democracy How the Swiss political system works

By

Michele Andina

Together with neutrality and federalism, direct democracy is a part of the Swiss national identity and helps unite the various languages, ...

Democracy in action Going to the polls

A vote weekend in Switzerland - ballots are cast at local, cantonal and national levels. Swiss citizens are called to cast their votes several ...

Young voters Election process ‘too complex’, say young people

Swiss youth parliaments have called on the government to encourage dialogue between pupils and politicians as about half of young voters find the ...

‘Mühleberg off the grid’ How two people fought to shut down a nuclear plant

By

Renat Kuenzi

The shocking Fukushima nuclear disaster, two angry Swiss citizens, one idea, one vote. This is the story behind the popular initiative to force ...

Launching an initiative The rocky road to changing the law

Franziska Herren and Walter Kummer talk about why they launched an initiative to close the Mühleberg nuclear power station in canton Bern with ...

Swiss political system

Switzerland was not always a nation-state in the modern sense, but a loose alliance of autonomous cantons that came together under a federal ...

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Direct Democracy Glossary

The following glossary lists the most common terms with definitions taken from the Navigator to Direct Democracy. The typology of the Navigator ...

Main content

Way to White House How Swiss is the US electoral system?

Direct Democracy The story of the ballot paper

Additional content

Follow-up material to accompany the main content

Handy booklet Direct democracy also has its user guide

Teaching democracy Political training through role playing

The two chamber system How parliamentary elections work in Switzerland