The Government of Switzerland consists of a Federal Council, which represents the executive power, elected indirectly by the two assemblies assembled: the National Council and the Council of States, which assembled form the Swiss parliament, the Federal Assembly.

Council President

  Switzerland does not have a president of the state as, for example, in Portugal and in Brazil, the President of the Republic, but a representative of the Swiss Confederation which shall act as President of the nation. The President of the Swiss Confederation is elected by the seven federal councilors for a period of one year. In this school system, the president, with primus inter pares status (ie, first among equals) is a member of the federal council no more powers than the others, but has the last word in the event of a tie in the various polls that may occur either the Federal Council or both political wings. Incidentally he represents the nation, both internationally and nationally.

Direct Democracy

  For the entire population to participate in political life, Switzerland has a unique system of direct democracy in the World. It is very frequent referendums, whether at the federal or cantonal level. Moreover, the results of a federal referendum not imply obedience to a law endorsed by the canton voted against. For example if a canton vote against a law and all other cantons had been accepted, this law does not go into Canton who voted against effectively. In relation to foreign affairs, it is necessary to have the approval of all cantons in the case of Switzerland joining the European Union. For holding a national referendum in order to change a law in the Federal Constitution, there must be a hundred thousand signatures asking for a referendum unless it is requested by the Federal Government or by individual cantons.