Question 24 of 350 · Laws and prohibitions
What is the constitution of the Swiss Confederation called?
Wie heisst die Verfassung der Schweizerischen Eidgenossenschaft?
Correct answer: D
Why
Switzerland is a federal state. That is why its constitution is called the Federal Constitution.
Common mistakes
- A: Basic Law
- The Federal Constitution is the basic law of Switzerland, but «Basic Law» (Grundgesetz) is not its name. That is the name of Germany's constitution.
- C: Federal Charter
- The Federal Charter of 1291 is an old alliance of the founding cantons, not a constitution.
Topic
Federal Constitution, ZGB, OR, StGB
The constitution of Switzerland is called the Federal Constitution, abbreviated BV. It is the highest law of the country. It contains the fundamental rights and sets out how the state works. The first Federal Constitution dates from 1848; the current one has been in force since 2000. It is sometimes also called Switzerland's Basic Law, but its official name is Federal Constitution.
Having a say: rights and obligations · Laws and prohibitions
Sources
Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.