Swiss Passport

Question 116 of 350 · Zurich: politics

How are the members of the Cantonal Council chosen?

Wie werden die Mitglieder des Kantonsrats bestimmt?

Correct answer: A

  1. Athrough electionsdurch Wahlen
  2. Bthrough appointment by the cantonal governmentdurch Ernennung von der Kantonsregierung
  3. Cby the Federal Parliamentdurch das eidgenössische Parlament
  4. Dby the canton's members of the Council of Statesdurch die Ständeräte des Kantons

Why

The people elect the 180 members of the Cantonal Council every 4 years in a proportional election.

Common mistakes

B: through appointment by the cantonal government
The government does not appoint the parliament, because the parliament is supposed to supervise the government.
D: by the canton's members of the Council of States
The members of the Council of States represent the canton in Bern; they do not decide who sits in the Cantonal Council.

Topic

Cantonal Council and Council of States

The parliament of the canton of Zurich is called the Cantonal Council (Kantonsrat). It is the legislature, that is the legislative power. The Cantonal Council has 180 members. It makes the cantonal laws and every year decides on the canton's budget. It also supervises the government and the administration. Some judges are also elected by the Cantonal Council.

Canton and municipality of Zurich · Zurich: politics

Sources

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