Swiss Passport

Question 113 of 350 · Zurich: politics

How are the members of the Zurich government chosen?

Wie werden die Mitglieder der Zürcher Regierung bestimmt?

Correct answer: D

  1. AThey are appointed by the political parties.Sie werden von den Parteien ernannt.
  2. BThey are elected by the Cantonal Council.Sie werden vom Kantonsrat gewählt.
  3. CThey are elected at party meetings.Sie werden auf Parteiversammlungen gewählt.
  4. DThey are elected by the voters of Zurich.Sie werden von den Zürcher Stimmbürgerinnen und Stimmbürgern gewählt.

Why

The people elect the Cantonal Government directly, every 4 years, in a majority election.

Common mistakes

B: They are elected by the Cantonal Council.
The Cantonal Council does not elect the government. This is different from the Federal Council, which is elected by Parliament.
A: They are appointed by the political parties.
Parties propose candidates, but the people elect.

Topic

Cantonal Government and directorates

The government of the canton of Zurich is called the Cantonal Government (Regierungsrat). It is the executive, that is the executive power. The Cantonal Government has 7 members. They work full-time. Each member heads a directorate. A directorate is a large part of the cantonal administration, similar to a ministry.

Canton and municipality of Zurich · Zurich: politics

Sources

Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.