Switzerland

Abstract

Switzerland has a very extensive system of direct democracy, with various direct-democratic instruments existing at the federal, cantonal as well as municipal levels. At the federal level, the legal limits that are imposed on direct-democratic instruments are rather weak. In addition, compliance with these limits is reviewed by parliament, which applies a lenient standard of review. The result is a very low rate of popular initiatives and referendums that are declared invalid. A somewhat different picture emerges at the cantonal level, where the legal limits are more stringent and compliance with these limits can be reviewed in a judicial procedure.