Swiss Passport

Question 54 of 350 · Federalism: Confederation, cantons, municipalities

What is an important task of the Confederation?

Was ist eine wichtige Aufgabe des Bundes?

Correct answer: B

  1. AIt finances the manufacture of cars.Er finanziert die Herstellung von Autos.
  2. BIt ensures the protection of the environment.Er sorgt für den Schutz der Umwelt.
  3. CIt sets the key interest rates of the National Bank.Er bestimmt die Leitzinsen der Nationalbank.
  4. DIt runs its own power stations.Er unterhält eigene Elektrizitätswerke.

Why

Environmental problems such as air pollution do not stop at the cantonal border. That is why the Confederation makes laws to protect the environment.

Common mistakes

C: It sets the key interest rates of the National Bank.
The National Bank sets the key interest rates itself. It is independent of the Federal Council and Parliament.
D: It runs its own power stations.
Power stations mostly belong to cantons, municipalities or companies, not to the Confederation.

Topic

Tasks of the Confederation

In federalism each level has its own tasks. The Confederation only does what the Federal Constitution expressly allows it to do. These are mainly tasks that must be the same for the whole country. All other tasks belong to the cantons. The cantons pass some tasks on to the municipalities.

How the state works · Federalism: Confederation, cantons, municipalities

Sources

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