The Swiss Political System and Local Government

The Swiss Political System and Local Government

Author: Michael Sell

Publisher: GRIN Verlag

Published: 2003-11-07

Total Pages: 22

ISBN-13: 3638228851

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Seminar paper from the year 2003 in the subject Politics - Region: Western Europe, grade: 1,3 (A), University of Constance (Faculty for Management Studies), course: Comparative Local Government, language: English, abstract: Switzerland is one of the smallest, oldest and most complex democratic federal states. Local political structure is far more important in Switzerland than in the centralized polities of most modern European countries, given the historically decentralized nature of the Swiss system (see Hass, J.K. 1999: 1067). “Thus the Swiss municipal organisation has proved to be extremely stable in comparison to other countries. They strongly vary in size and the majority are very small. Between 1848 and 1998 the number of municipalities was reduced only from 3204 to 2914 “(see Ladner, A. 1991: 5-6). In this paper, the focus will be on the local government in Switzerland. But before we come to this part, we think it is necessary to give an overall view of Switzerland in general and its political system. Here, we will also introduce the issue of direct democracy in Switzerland, as we think it is a characteristic political element within the Swiss democracy and also plays an important role on the communal and local level. Then we will describe the local level in detail. This will include a short summary about the development of the Swiss communes in history, the role of the communes given by the Swiss constitution, the structure and organization of communes and the responsibilities they have. Finally, we will comment our findings and draw conclusions about the grade of decentralization and what follows from this for the Swiss democracy.


Book Synopsis The Swiss Political System and Local Government by : Michael Sell

Download or read book The Swiss Political System and Local Government written by Michael Sell and published by GRIN Verlag. This book was released on 2003-11-07 with total page 22 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Seminar paper from the year 2003 in the subject Politics - Region: Western Europe, grade: 1,3 (A), University of Constance (Faculty for Management Studies), course: Comparative Local Government, language: English, abstract: Switzerland is one of the smallest, oldest and most complex democratic federal states. Local political structure is far more important in Switzerland than in the centralized polities of most modern European countries, given the historically decentralized nature of the Swiss system (see Hass, J.K. 1999: 1067). “Thus the Swiss municipal organisation has proved to be extremely stable in comparison to other countries. They strongly vary in size and the majority are very small. Between 1848 and 1998 the number of municipalities was reduced only from 3204 to 2914 “(see Ladner, A. 1991: 5-6). In this paper, the focus will be on the local government in Switzerland. But before we come to this part, we think it is necessary to give an overall view of Switzerland in general and its political system. Here, we will also introduce the issue of direct democracy in Switzerland, as we think it is a characteristic political element within the Swiss democracy and also plays an important role on the communal and local level. Then we will describe the local level in detail. This will include a short summary about the development of the Swiss communes in history, the role of the communes given by the Swiss constitution, the structure and organization of communes and the responsibilities they have. Finally, we will comment our findings and draw conclusions about the grade of decentralization and what follows from this for the Swiss democracy.


Swiss Public Administration

Swiss Public Administration

Author: Andreas Ladner

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2018-08-07

Total Pages: 397

ISBN-13: 3319923811

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Swiss citizens approve of their government and the way democracy is practiced; they trust the authorities and are satisfied with the range of services Swiss governments provide. This is quite unusual when compared to other countries. This open access book provides insight into the organization and the functioning of the Swiss state. It claims that, beyond politics, institutions and public administration, there are other factors which make a country successful. The authors argue that Switzerland is an interesting case, from a theoretical, scientific and a more practice-oriented perspective. While confronted with the same challenges as other countries, Switzerland offers different solutions, some of which work astonishingly well.


Book Synopsis Swiss Public Administration by : Andreas Ladner

Download or read book Swiss Public Administration written by Andreas Ladner and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-08-07 with total page 397 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Swiss citizens approve of their government and the way democracy is practiced; they trust the authorities and are satisfied with the range of services Swiss governments provide. This is quite unusual when compared to other countries. This open access book provides insight into the organization and the functioning of the Swiss state. It claims that, beyond politics, institutions and public administration, there are other factors which make a country successful. The authors argue that Switzerland is an interesting case, from a theoretical, scientific and a more practice-oriented perspective. While confronted with the same challenges as other countries, Switzerland offers different solutions, some of which work astonishingly well.


Direct Democracy in Switzerland

Direct Democracy in Switzerland

Author: Gregory Fossedal

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-02-06

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13: 1351522213

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Only one country in the world--Switzerland--is a direct democracy, in which, to an extent, the people pass their own laws, judge the constitutionality of statutes, and even have written, in effect, their own constitution. In this propitious volume, Gregory Fossedal reports on the politics and social fabric of what James Bryce has called "the nation that has taken the democratic idea to its furthest extent." The lessons Fossedal presents, at a time of dissatisfaction with the role of money and privileged elites in many Western democracies, are at once timely and urgent.


Book Synopsis Direct Democracy in Switzerland by : Gregory Fossedal

Download or read book Direct Democracy in Switzerland written by Gregory Fossedal and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-02-06 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Only one country in the world--Switzerland--is a direct democracy, in which, to an extent, the people pass their own laws, judge the constitutionality of statutes, and even have written, in effect, their own constitution. In this propitious volume, Gregory Fossedal reports on the politics and social fabric of what James Bryce has called "the nation that has taken the democratic idea to its furthest extent." The lessons Fossedal presents, at a time of dissatisfaction with the role of money and privileged elites in many Western democracies, are at once timely and urgent.


Understanding Switzerland's Governance Model: A Comprehensive Overview

Understanding Switzerland's Governance Model: A Comprehensive Overview

Author: Pooyan Ghamari

Publisher: Pooyan Ghamari

Published:

Total Pages: 43

ISBN-13:

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Understanding Switzerland's Governance Model: A Comprehensive Overview" is an informative ebook that delves into the intricacies of Switzerland's unique system of governance. This ebook provides readers with a thorough understanding of the Swiss political structure, historical context, key government institutions, and policy domains that shape the country's governance model. The ebook begins with a preface, setting the stage for the exploration of Switzerland's governance model. It highlights the importance of understanding Switzerland's political landscape and its implications for both citizens and international observers. The ebook then provides a brief overview of the contents, offering a glimpse into the topics covered in subsequent chapters. This serves as a roadmap for readers, allowing them to anticipate the breadth and depth of information to come. The chapters included in the ebook are as follows: Introduction to Switzerland's Governance Model: Overview of Switzerland's political system and governance principles Explanation of the federal structure and the division of powers Key features that distinguish Switzerland's governance model The Swiss Confederation - A Historical Perspective: Historical context and the formation of the Swiss Confederation Evolution of Switzerland's governance model over time Insights into the cultural, linguistic, and regional diversity of Switzerland The Swiss Federal Government - At the Apex: Detailed examination of the Swiss Federal Government's structure and functions Roles and responsibilities of the President, Federal Council, and Federal Administration Overview of decision-making processes and intergovernmental coordination The Federal Chancellery - A Hub of Administrative Support: Understanding the role and significance of the Federal Chancellery Administrative support provided to the Federal Council and Federal Administration The Chancellery's role in ensuring the smooth functioning of Switzerland's governance Key Ministries and their Mandates: Overview of essential ministries within the Swiss Federal Government Detailed examination of their respective mandates and policy areas Insights into the ministries' roles in shaping and implementing government policies The Swiss Parliament: Explanation of the structure and functions of the Swiss Parliament Role of the National Council and the Council of States in the legislative process Overview of parliamentary elections, political parties, and representation The Cantons - Linking the Federal and Local: Understanding the role and significance of cantonal governments Relationship between the federal government and the cantons Overview of cantonal governance structures and decision-making processes The Swiss Model of Direct Democracy: In-depth exploration of Switzerland's unique system of direct democracy Overview of referendums, initiatives, and popular participation in decision-making Implications of direct democracy on Switzerland's governance and policy outcomes Swiss Foreign Policy: Overview of Switzerland's approach to foreign policy Examination of Switzerland's neutrality and international relations Insights into Switzerland's role in global governance and diplomacy Education, Healthcare, and Social Services: Examination of Switzerland's education system, healthcare provision, and social services Overview of policies and institutions responsible for these sectors Insights into Switzerland's approach to ensuring high-quality public services The Swiss Economic Model: Understanding Switzerland's economic model and its key characteristics Overview of Switzerland's economic sectors and their contributions Insights into Switzerland's approach to innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth The ebook concludes with a summary, highlighting the key insights gained from exploring Switzerland's governance model. It emphasizes the strengths and challenges of the Swiss system and its implications for governance and policymaking. "Understanding Switzerland's Governance Model" provides readers with a comprehensive and insightful overview of Switzerland's unique political and governance framework. It serves as an indispensable resource for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of Switzerland's governance, history, institutions, and policy domains


Book Synopsis Understanding Switzerland's Governance Model: A Comprehensive Overview by : Pooyan Ghamari

Download or read book Understanding Switzerland's Governance Model: A Comprehensive Overview written by Pooyan Ghamari and published by Pooyan Ghamari. This book was released on with total page 43 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Understanding Switzerland's Governance Model: A Comprehensive Overview" is an informative ebook that delves into the intricacies of Switzerland's unique system of governance. This ebook provides readers with a thorough understanding of the Swiss political structure, historical context, key government institutions, and policy domains that shape the country's governance model. The ebook begins with a preface, setting the stage for the exploration of Switzerland's governance model. It highlights the importance of understanding Switzerland's political landscape and its implications for both citizens and international observers. The ebook then provides a brief overview of the contents, offering a glimpse into the topics covered in subsequent chapters. This serves as a roadmap for readers, allowing them to anticipate the breadth and depth of information to come. The chapters included in the ebook are as follows: Introduction to Switzerland's Governance Model: Overview of Switzerland's political system and governance principles Explanation of the federal structure and the division of powers Key features that distinguish Switzerland's governance model The Swiss Confederation - A Historical Perspective: Historical context and the formation of the Swiss Confederation Evolution of Switzerland's governance model over time Insights into the cultural, linguistic, and regional diversity of Switzerland The Swiss Federal Government - At the Apex: Detailed examination of the Swiss Federal Government's structure and functions Roles and responsibilities of the President, Federal Council, and Federal Administration Overview of decision-making processes and intergovernmental coordination The Federal Chancellery - A Hub of Administrative Support: Understanding the role and significance of the Federal Chancellery Administrative support provided to the Federal Council and Federal Administration The Chancellery's role in ensuring the smooth functioning of Switzerland's governance Key Ministries and their Mandates: Overview of essential ministries within the Swiss Federal Government Detailed examination of their respective mandates and policy areas Insights into the ministries' roles in shaping and implementing government policies The Swiss Parliament: Explanation of the structure and functions of the Swiss Parliament Role of the National Council and the Council of States in the legislative process Overview of parliamentary elections, political parties, and representation The Cantons - Linking the Federal and Local: Understanding the role and significance of cantonal governments Relationship between the federal government and the cantons Overview of cantonal governance structures and decision-making processes The Swiss Model of Direct Democracy: In-depth exploration of Switzerland's unique system of direct democracy Overview of referendums, initiatives, and popular participation in decision-making Implications of direct democracy on Switzerland's governance and policy outcomes Swiss Foreign Policy: Overview of Switzerland's approach to foreign policy Examination of Switzerland's neutrality and international relations Insights into Switzerland's role in global governance and diplomacy Education, Healthcare, and Social Services: Examination of Switzerland's education system, healthcare provision, and social services Overview of policies and institutions responsible for these sectors Insights into Switzerland's approach to ensuring high-quality public services The Swiss Economic Model: Understanding Switzerland's economic model and its key characteristics Overview of Switzerland's economic sectors and their contributions Insights into Switzerland's approach to innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth The ebook concludes with a summary, highlighting the key insights gained from exploring Switzerland's governance model. It emphasizes the strengths and challenges of the Swiss system and its implications for governance and policymaking. "Understanding Switzerland's Governance Model" provides readers with a comprehensive and insightful overview of Switzerland's unique political and governance framework. It serves as an indispensable resource for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of Switzerland's governance, history, institutions, and policy domains


Swiss Federalism

Swiss Federalism

Author: Adrian Vatter

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-06-12

Total Pages: 286

ISBN-13: 135186582X

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The political and economic crisis of EU integration has made it increasingly apparent how challenging it is to bring together different sovereign cultures, languages and regions into a single political system. Switzerland – being one of the three classic federations in the world – can provide insights, particularly in relation to the accommodation of cultural, linguistic, religious and regional diversity, which can help tackle contemporary challenges. This book describes and analyses the characteristics, institutions, and processes of Swiss federalism, along with its combination of stability and change. It presents a comprehensive study of the federal system of Switzerland, where it comes from, how it operates, and the way it has changed of late. This will allow readers to appreciate the specific and current answers the Swiss case offers to the main questions raised by wider federal research. This text will be of key interest to scholars and students in federalism and territorial politics, political institutions, local and regional government studies, multi-level governance and more broadly to European and comparative politics.


Book Synopsis Swiss Federalism by : Adrian Vatter

Download or read book Swiss Federalism written by Adrian Vatter and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-06-12 with total page 286 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The political and economic crisis of EU integration has made it increasingly apparent how challenging it is to bring together different sovereign cultures, languages and regions into a single political system. Switzerland – being one of the three classic federations in the world – can provide insights, particularly in relation to the accommodation of cultural, linguistic, religious and regional diversity, which can help tackle contemporary challenges. This book describes and analyses the characteristics, institutions, and processes of Swiss federalism, along with its combination of stability and change. It presents a comprehensive study of the federal system of Switzerland, where it comes from, how it operates, and the way it has changed of late. This will allow readers to appreciate the specific and current answers the Swiss case offers to the main questions raised by wider federal research. This text will be of key interest to scholars and students in federalism and territorial politics, political institutions, local and regional government studies, multi-level governance and more broadly to European and comparative politics.


The Politics and Government of Switzerland

The Politics and Government of Switzerland

Author: C. Church

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2003-12-16

Total Pages: 295

ISBN-13: 0230509002

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The Politics and Government of Switzerland is one of very few English language studies of contemporary Swiss politics. Drawing on recent research in Switzerland, and the author's own observations, it offers wide coverage of Swiss political forces, processes and policies. Church argues that Switzerland is actually a vibrant and pluralist polity, in which politics are increasingly competitive. However, it still retains some distinctive characteristics like direct democracy, which mean that the Swiss people play a larger role than in other countries.


Book Synopsis The Politics and Government of Switzerland by : C. Church

Download or read book The Politics and Government of Switzerland written by C. Church and published by Springer. This book was released on 2003-12-16 with total page 295 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Politics and Government of Switzerland is one of very few English language studies of contemporary Swiss politics. Drawing on recent research in Switzerland, and the author's own observations, it offers wide coverage of Swiss political forces, processes and policies. Church argues that Switzerland is actually a vibrant and pluralist polity, in which politics are increasingly competitive. However, it still retains some distinctive characteristics like direct democracy, which mean that the Swiss people play a larger role than in other countries.


Swiss Democracy

Swiss Democracy

Author: Wolf Linder

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2021-01-20

Total Pages: 310

ISBN-13: 3030632660

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This open access book provides an updated and fully revised 4th edition of this authoritative analysis of Swiss democracy. It particularly explains the institutions of federalism and consensus government through political power sharing. In this new edition, the authors also address several important changes and challenges that have affected Swiss democracy, including the country's relationship with the EU, fiscal equalisation, direct democracy and the legitimacy of national referendums, territorial conflict, as well as the polarisation of party politics.


Book Synopsis Swiss Democracy by : Wolf Linder

Download or read book Swiss Democracy written by Wolf Linder and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-01-20 with total page 310 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This open access book provides an updated and fully revised 4th edition of this authoritative analysis of Swiss democracy. It particularly explains the institutions of federalism and consensus government through political power sharing. In this new edition, the authors also address several important changes and challenges that have affected Swiss democracy, including the country's relationship with the EU, fiscal equalisation, direct democracy and the legitimacy of national referendums, territorial conflict, as well as the polarisation of party politics.


Transforming Political Leadership in Local Government

Transforming Political Leadership in Local Government

Author: R. Berg

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2005-11-10

Total Pages: 236

ISBN-13: 0230501338

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Local governments throughout the west are undergoing a transformation of their leadership styles and structures. Some countries have abandoned traditional systems of collective or committee based decision-making in favour of Cabinet models or, more radically, a directly-elected executive mayor, while others have strengthened existing mayoral systems. There are a few exceptions to this trend. Based on original research in eleven countries the book assesses these changes in terms of their implications for political accountability, the role of lay politicians, political recruitment, the professionalization of leadership, and relations with the bureaucracy.


Book Synopsis Transforming Political Leadership in Local Government by : R. Berg

Download or read book Transforming Political Leadership in Local Government written by R. Berg and published by Springer. This book was released on 2005-11-10 with total page 236 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Local governments throughout the west are undergoing a transformation of their leadership styles and structures. Some countries have abandoned traditional systems of collective or committee based decision-making in favour of Cabinet models or, more radically, a directly-elected executive mayor, while others have strengthened existing mayoral systems. There are a few exceptions to this trend. Based on original research in eleven countries the book assesses these changes in terms of their implications for political accountability, the role of lay politicians, political recruitment, the professionalization of leadership, and relations with the bureaucracy.


Swiss Democracy

Swiss Democracy

Author: Kenrick Jones

Publisher: Arena books

Published: 2009-12-14

Total Pages: 152

ISBN-13: 1906791430

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This is a timely and important work in presenting pointers which could be significant in helping regenerate the sad state of British politics. This is not only a clearly written book, the arguments of which are supported by many reliable authorities, but more significantly, the author draws on his practical experience in the hard graft of contemporary political life. British democracy is in the doldrums. Until the 2001 General Election voter turn-out since the end of the Second World War averaged 77 per cent. However in 2001 it fell to 59 per cent, and in 2005 it was a mere 61 per cent. This book demonstrates that one European country, namely Switzerland, has a direct citizen-based democratic structure which could at least in part be beneficially incorporated into our representative parliamentary system. The ideas of the author are clearly motivated by his own patriotism linked to a broader understanding of international institutions, and his proposals are designed to strengthen our democracy, not to denigrate it. The book illustrates the essence of Swiss democratic methods in simple and clear language. It compares the relative significance of local government in both Britain and Switzerland. There are practical examples of how everyday issues are dealt with in both nations. Participating in the democratic process of our country, and seeking tangible results from our votes is the only sensible response in the face of national disillusionment.


Book Synopsis Swiss Democracy by : Kenrick Jones

Download or read book Swiss Democracy written by Kenrick Jones and published by Arena books. This book was released on 2009-12-14 with total page 152 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is a timely and important work in presenting pointers which could be significant in helping regenerate the sad state of British politics. This is not only a clearly written book, the arguments of which are supported by many reliable authorities, but more significantly, the author draws on his practical experience in the hard graft of contemporary political life. British democracy is in the doldrums. Until the 2001 General Election voter turn-out since the end of the Second World War averaged 77 per cent. However in 2001 it fell to 59 per cent, and in 2005 it was a mere 61 per cent. This book demonstrates that one European country, namely Switzerland, has a direct citizen-based democratic structure which could at least in part be beneficially incorporated into our representative parliamentary system. The ideas of the author are clearly motivated by his own patriotism linked to a broader understanding of international institutions, and his proposals are designed to strengthen our democracy, not to denigrate it. The book illustrates the essence of Swiss democratic methods in simple and clear language. It compares the relative significance of local government in both Britain and Switzerland. There are practical examples of how everyday issues are dealt with in both nations. Participating in the democratic process of our country, and seeking tangible results from our votes is the only sensible response in the face of national disillusionment.


Swiss Monetary History since the Early 19th Century

Swiss Monetary History since the Early 19th Century

Author: Ernst Baltensperger

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2017-08-03

Total Pages: 267

ISBN-13: 1108191444

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This book describes the remarkable path which led to the Swiss Franc becoming the strong international currency that it is today. Ernst Baltensperger and Peter Kugler use Swiss monetary history to provide valuable insights into a number of issues concerning the organization and development of monetary institutions and currency that shaped the structure of financial markets and affected the economic course of a country in important ways. They investigate a number of topics, including the functioning of a world without a central bank, the role of competition and monopoly in money and banking, the functioning of monetary unions, monetary policy of small open economies under fixed and flexible exchange rates, the stability of money demand and supply under different monetary regimes, and the monetary and macroeconomic effects of Swiss Banking and Finance. Swiss Monetary History since the Early 19th Century illustrates the value of monetary history for understanding financial markets and macroeconomics today.


Book Synopsis Swiss Monetary History since the Early 19th Century by : Ernst Baltensperger

Download or read book Swiss Monetary History since the Early 19th Century written by Ernst Baltensperger and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2017-08-03 with total page 267 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book describes the remarkable path which led to the Swiss Franc becoming the strong international currency that it is today. Ernst Baltensperger and Peter Kugler use Swiss monetary history to provide valuable insights into a number of issues concerning the organization and development of monetary institutions and currency that shaped the structure of financial markets and affected the economic course of a country in important ways. They investigate a number of topics, including the functioning of a world without a central bank, the role of competition and monopoly in money and banking, the functioning of monetary unions, monetary policy of small open economies under fixed and flexible exchange rates, the stability of money demand and supply under different monetary regimes, and the monetary and macroeconomic effects of Swiss Banking and Finance. Swiss Monetary History since the Early 19th Century illustrates the value of monetary history for understanding financial markets and macroeconomics today.