Separation of powers

Separation of powers means how power is distributed horizontally and vertically among several actors. Horizontally this covers the executive, legislature and judiciary and vertically, the communes, cantons and the federal government.

This content was published on May 30, 2007 - 16:49

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Church service in Zurich

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Swiss oddities

Mennonite movement turns 500 in Zurich, where it all began

Read more: Mennonite movement turns 500 in Zurich, where it all began

Switzerland will swelter at the weekend

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Swiss cantons issue heat warnings

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Cooks at work in the kitchen, pictured during a look behind the scenes at Hotel Seedamm Plaza in Pfaeffikon, canton of Schwyz, Switzerland, on March 31, 2014. (KEYSTONE/Christian Beutler)

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Foreign Affairs

In Switzerland four out of ten people have a migrant background – who are they?

Read more: In Switzerland four out of ten people have a migrant background – who are they?

The additional costs that Switzerland will incur when purchasing the US F-35 fighter jet continue to be a concern.

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Swiss Politics

Renewed controversy in Switzerland over US fighter jets – explained

Read more: Renewed controversy in Switzerland over US fighter jets – explained

Swiss banks have never managed as much wealth as now

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Swiss private bank vaults house CHF3.4 trillion

Read more: Swiss private bank vaults house CHF3.4 trillion

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Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?

Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?

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Jun 13, 2025

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How important are common resources in today’s world?

In a globalised world, are collectively-managed land or resources – so-called commons – still relevant?

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Jun 20, 2025

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Would you work for your municipality or country for free?

The Swiss militia system gives many people political responsibility but no salary. Would that be something for your country?

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Apr 24, 2025

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17 Comments

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