Switzerland · Constitution
Federal Constitution of the Swiss Confederation
The current text was adopted by popular vote in 1999 and entered into force in 2000, formally updating the 1874 constitution rather than changing the system. Every amendment — whether proposed by parliament or by a popular initiative gathering 100,000 signatures — must be approved by a double majority of the people and the cantons.
The constitutional text
The current text was adopted by popular vote in 1999 and entered into force in 2000, formally updating the 1874 constitution rather than changing the system. Every amendment — whether proposed by parliament or by a popular initiative gathering 100,000 signatures — must be approved by a double majority of the people and the cantons.
Separation of powers
Competences not expressly assigned to the Confederation remain with the 26 cantons, which have their own constitutions, parliaments, governments and courts. Sovereignty is further shared with the electorate: the optional referendum can overturn any federal statute, and the popular initiative can amend the Constitution directly.
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