Swiss Passport

Question 36 of 350 · Initiative and referendum

At federal level, what can Swiss citizens who are entitled to vote vote on?

Über was können stimmberechtigte Bürgerinnen und Bürger in der Schweiz auf Bundesebene abstimmen?

Correct answer: C

  1. Aon party programmesüber Parteiprogramme
  2. Bon the radio and television programme scheduleüber das Radio- und Fernsehprogramm
  3. Con popular initiatives and referendumsüber Volksinitiativen und Referenden
  4. Don filling posts in the administrationüber die Besetzung von Verwaltungsstellen

Why

At federal level, the people vote on popular initiatives and referendums, that is, on amendments to the Constitution and on laws.

Common mistakes

A: on party programmes
Each party decides its own programme. The whole people do not vote on it.
D: on filling posts in the administration
Posts in the administration are filled by the authorities. The people do not elect employees.

Topic

Direct democracy at a glance

Switzerland is a semi-direct democracy. The people elect Parliament, and Parliament makes the laws. But in addition, the people also decide directly on specific issues. There are popular votes several times a year. This is rare worldwide. In many other countries the people only elect the parliament and do not decide on laws themselves. This is called indirect democracy.

Having a say: rights and obligations · Initiative and referendum

Sources

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