Government

Switzerland is a federal republic composed of 26 cantons (states), three of which are subdivided into half-cantons. Under the constitution of 2000, executive authority is exercised by the Federal Council, composed of seven members elected by the Federal Assembly for four years. One member is designated by the Council each year to serve as national president.

The Federal Assembly is a two-house legislative body. The Council of States is composed of two members from each canton, elected in various ways for varying terms. The National Council with 200 members is directly elected for four years.

Each canton is self-governing. In several cantons government is conducted by annual meetings of voters. Initiatives and referenda, which originated in the Swiss cantons, are widely used for proposing and voting on both federal and cantonal legislation and constitutional amendments. In 1971, women were granted the right to vote.

Justice is primarily a cantonal function. The Federal Tribunal is the highest court of appeal.

Switzerland maintains a small standing army and air force. Training for the federal militia is compulsory for most male citizens.