Isabella Carter
Switzerland and the United States have long been regarded as 'sister republics' with federalist systems that have influenced each other. The Swiss Federal State was established in 1848 with a federal constitution heavily influenced by the United States Constitution. The US federalist system, on the other hand, drew inspiration from the Iroquois Native American tribe. While the Swiss model of federalism is based on the division of powers between the Confederation and 26 cantons, the US system divides powers between the federal government and 50 states. Both countries have direct democratic rights, with Swiss federalism allowing for referendums and citizen initiatives, while the US requires a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the House to change its Constitution.
| Characteristics | Swiss Federalism | US Constitutional Republic |
|---|---|---|
| Founding | 12 September 1848 | Late 18th century |
| Inspiration | US Constitution, French Revolution, Iroquois Native American tribe | Iroquois Native American tribe, English constitutionalism |
| Federal Structure | 3 levels: Confederation, 26 cantons, over 2000 communes | 2 levels: Federal government, 50 states |
| Cantonal Citizenship | Yes, in addition to Swiss citizenship | No, only state citizenship |
| Cantonal Autonomy | High, with their own constitutions, parliaments, governments, and courts | High, with their own constitutions, governments, and codes of laws |
| Cantonal Currencies | No, a single currency was imposed in 1850 | No, states are not authorized to print currency |
| Cantonal Sovereignty | Yes, cantons retain significant sovereignty | Yes, states handle most issues within their jurisdiction |
| Federal Powers | Limited to those conferred by the Federal Constitution | Prohibited from exercising any power not delegated by the Constitution |
| Federal Supreme Court | Cannot repeal laws passed by Parliament, even if unconstitutional | Can invalidate unconstitutional laws passed by Congress |
| Federal University | Yes, Federal Polytechnic opened in Zurich in 1855 | N/A |
| Direct Democracy | Yes, Swiss people have the right to vote on specific issues | Yes, modern direct democracy shapes everyday political life |
| Federal Council | Yes, consists of 7 members elected by the Federal Assembly | No, but the executive branch is under the President |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Switzerland copied the concept of federalism from the US
- The US took the idea of direct democracy from Switzerland
- The US Constitution was inspired by Swiss writers and the old Swiss Confederation
- The Swiss Federal Government controls matters of national interest
- The US must obtain a two-thirds majority to change its Constitution
Switzerland copied the concept of federalism from the US
Switzerland's federalist system is modelled on that of the United States, with the Swiss Federal Constitution of 1848 drawing heavily from the US Federal Constitution of 1787/89. The US Constitution, with its famous preamble "We the People", served as a key reference point for the Swiss as they established their own federal state.
The rise of Switzerland as a federal state began on 12 September 1848, with the creation of a federal constitution in response to a 27-day civil war, the Sonderbundskrieg. The 1848 constitution represented the first time that the Swiss had a central government, rather than being a collection of autonomous cantons. The new constitution created Swiss citizenship, and a federal central government was established, with the cantons giving up certain parts of their sovereign rights. The Federal Assembly, composed of the Council of States and the National Council, was formed, and the Federal Council or executive was granted "supreme executive and directorial authority of the Confederation".
The Swiss federalist system, however, differs from that of the US in several ways. Switzerland chose not to vest extensive power in a single president; instead, executive power is distributed among seven liberal leaders. In the US, the executive authority (the President) is chosen indirectly by the people, while in Switzerland, the choice is made by the legislative authority. Additionally, in the US, a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the House is required to change the Constitution, along with ratification from 38 of the 50 states. In Switzerland, the Federal Assembly can submit the question of constitutional revision to a popular vote, with each of the 26 cantons having the right to launch a referendum on federal legislation if supported by at least eight cantons.
While Switzerland drew inspiration from the US federalist model, the two countries have also influenced each other in the development of their democratic systems. The Swiss political scientist Andreas Gross describes the two countries as "twins separated at birth, grew up in different families but maintained close contact". The US took the idea of direct democracy from Switzerland, with the concept of "government by discussion" gaining traction in the debate over political reforms in the late 19th century. At the same time, the Swiss Federal Constitution of 1848 incorporated key elements of the US Constitution, including the enshrinement of fundamental human rights and the separation of powers.
Placing Legal Letters Under Doors: Valid Delivery Method?
You may want to see also
The US took the idea of direct democracy from Switzerland
The Swiss Confederation has been a federal state since 1848, with the creation of a federal constitution in response to a 27-day civil war, the Sonderbundskrieg. The Swiss Federal Constitution of 1848 was heavily influenced by the United States Constitution and the ideas of the French Revolution. The US Constitution, with its famous preamble 'We the People', served as a model for the Swiss Federal Constitution, which incorporated key elements of the former.
However, the US also borrowed ideas from Switzerland, specifically the concept of direct democracy. Swiss-style direct democracy, characterised by votes on initiatives and referendums, shapes everyday political life in the US as in almost no other country in the world besides Switzerland. The Swiss Federal Constitution of 1848 included the introduction of the referendum, by which laws made by the cantonal legislature may (facultative referendum) or must (obligatory referendum) be submitted to the people for their approval. This idea of the referendum, along with the people's initiative, was adopted in almost all Swiss cantons before being incorporated into the Federal Constitution in 1891.
The Swiss model of direct democracy caught the attention of American journalists at the end of the 19th century, who wrote about it in newspapers and books, sparking a debate over political reforms in the US. The Swiss political system, with its strong elements of direct democracy, aims to integrate citizens into the political process as much as possible. Various instruments are used to include minorities as much as possible, which is vital in a country with a range of languages and cultures. The country's federal structure keeps the political process as close as possible to Swiss citizens, with the smallest political units, the communes, granted as many powers as possible.
While the US and Switzerland have both borrowed ideas from each other, there are some key differences in how they have implemented these concepts. For example, in the US, the executive authority (the President) is chosen indirectly by the people, while in Switzerland, the choice is made by the legislative authority. Additionally, the US must obtain a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the House to change its Constitution, whereas Switzerland's federal structure allows for more flexibility in amending its constitution.
The Constitution and the Two-Party System
You may want to see also
The US Constitution was inspired by Swiss writers and the old Swiss Confederation
The US Constitution and the Swiss Federal Constitution share a long history of political influence and similarities. The Swiss Confederation, a federation of states, began operating as a sovereign entity in 1648, around the same time that Great Britain established its colonies on the east coast of North America. Since then, the two nations have shared ideas and influenced each other's political systems.
The US Constitution, finalised in 1787, was inspired by Swiss writers and the Swiss Confederation, among other influences. Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the US, drew inspiration from the Iroquois Native American tribe for the writing of the first American federalist constitution. The Swiss Confederation also introduced the separation of powers in 1848, a concept that would be adopted by the US.
The Swiss Federal Constitution of 1848 incorporated key elements of the US Federal Constitution. The US Constitution's famous preamble, "We the People," and the structure of a bicameral assembly with a House of Representatives and Senate, influenced the Swiss Constitution's National Council and Council of States. The Swiss Constitution also included fundamental human rights, similar to the US Bill of Rights.
In terms of direct democracy and people's rights, Swiss writers and thinkers played a significant role in influencing American political thought. The French Marquis de Condorcet, a "Renaissance man," promoted the idea of active and engaged citizens at the French Constitutional Convention in 1792. His ideas found fertile ground in Switzerland, where both the people's initiative and the referendum were adopted in many Swiss cantons before being included in the Swiss Federal Constitution in 1891. This caught the attention of American journalists, who popularised the "Swiss model" of direct democracy, influencing debates over political reforms in the US.
While the US and Switzerland have distinct differences, their shared history and influence on each other's political systems are notable. The Swiss Federal Constitution, with its emphasis on citizen participation and fundamental rights, has left a mark on the US Constitution's development and democratic practices.
Constitution's Role in Political Party Promotion
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Swiss Federal Government controls matters of national interest
Switzerland and the United States have very different political systems, but they have also influenced each other significantly over time. The Swiss Federal Government, formed in 1848, controls matters of national interest, with the cantons retaining significant autonomy. The Federal Government's powers are limited to those conferred upon it in the Federal Constitution, and any tasks outside its remit are the responsibility of the cantons.
Switzerland is a federal state, with 26 cantons and over 2,000 communes. Each canton has its own constitution, parliament, government, and courts. The Federal Assembly, made up of the Council of States and the National Council, elects the seven-member Federal Council, which holds the "supreme executive and directorial authority of the Confederation". The Federal Council members head the seven executive departments, and the chairman also holds the title of President of the Swiss Confederation for a one-year term, with the position rotating among the members.
The Federal Government has worked to unify and standardize daily life in the country. For example, it established a uniform postal service, a single currency, and a unified system of weights and measures. It also took control of roads and canals, outlawed mercenary service (except for the Vatican guard), and extended religious rights to all Swiss citizens, regardless of faith.
While the US and Switzerland both have federalist systems, there are key differences. Switzerland's system aims to integrate citizens into the political process as much as possible, with direct democracy being a cornerstone. All citizens have the right to vote on specific issues, and the cantons enjoy significant autonomy, with the power to create their own constitutions. In contrast, the US system vests extensive power in a single president, and while citizen participation is important, the process of changing the Constitution is more complex, requiring a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the House, as well as ratification from 38 out of 50 states.
Managing Factions: The Constitution's Guide to Unity
You may want to see also
The US must obtain a two-thirds majority to change its Constitution
The political systems of Switzerland and the United States are closely related. Switzerland's federal structure, for instance, was inspired by the United States Constitution. However, there are some key differences between the two countries' federal systems. One notable difference is the process of amending the Constitution in each country. While Switzerland's constitution has been modified several times, the US Constitution has a stringent amendment process that requires a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The US Constitution, which was established in 1787/89, has a robust amendment procedure outlined in Article V. To amend the US Constitution, a two-thirds majority vote is required in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This means that out of the 100 senators, 67 must agree, and 290 out of the 435 representatives must concur. This is the first step in the amendment process. The second step involves the individual states, where 38 out of the 50 states must ratify the proposed changes. This requirement for a supermajority in both the legislative and state levels makes changing the US Constitution a challenging task.
The rationale behind this stringent process is to ensure stability and prevent hasty changes to the nation's foundational document. By requiring a supermajority, it guarantees that any amendments to the Constitution reflect the broad consensus of the American people. This safeguard helps to protect the rights and liberties enshrined in the Constitution, ensuring that they cannot be easily revoked or altered.
In contrast, Switzerland's federal constitution, which was established in 1848, has been modified multiple times. The Swiss system allows for more flexibility in amending its constitution, often through referendums. This process of direct democracy empowers Swiss citizens to have a direct say in their country's governance and constitutional framework. The Swiss Federal Constitution also guarantees fundamental human rights, similar to the US Bill of Rights.
While the US and Switzerland have both adopted federal systems, the US Constitution's amendment process is more challenging due to the requirement of a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and the subsequent ratification by a supermajority of states. This distinction highlights the nuanced differences between the two countries' approaches to constitutional change and federalism.
Stay-at-Home Orders: Violating Our Constitutional Rights?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Swiss Confederation has been operating as a sovereign federation of states since 1648, while the US Constitution was established in 1787/89. Swiss federalism was influenced by the US Constitution and the ideas of the French Revolution. The US constitutional republic, on the other hand, drew inspiration from the Iroquois Native American tribe and the English tradition of relative freedom and the parliamentary system.
Switzerland's federal system divides power between the Confederation and the cantons, with each canton enjoying extensive autonomy and having its own constitution, government, and parliament. Switzerland does not vest extensive power in a single president; instead, executive power is distributed among seven liberal leaders. In contrast, the US constitutional republic vests executive power in the President, who is chosen indirectly by the people.
In Switzerland, federal laws are not reviewed for their constitutionality, meaning the Federal Supreme Court cannot repeal a law passed by the Swiss Parliament even if it contradicts the Constitution. Most laws are subject to an optional referendum, where a popular vote can be triggered if a certain number of signatures are collected. In the US, changing the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the House, as well as ratification by 38 out of 50 states.
