Federal Council and the principle of collegiality

The Federal Council is the government of Switzerland. It holds executive power (the executive) at federal level. It runs the government business: it implements the laws, plans policy and represents Switzerland in relation to other states. In the cantons the government has a different name, for example Cantonal Government (Regierungsrat). In some cantons the Grand Council or the Landrat is the cantonal parliament.

The Federal Council has seven members. The people do not elect them directly. The United Federal Assembly, that is the National Council and the Council of States together, elects them for four years. Each year one member is President of the Confederation. But this person does not have more power than the others.

The principle of collegiality applies in the Federal Council. The seven members decide together as a body. They try to reach agreement; if necessary, they vote. In public, all members must represent the decision in the same way, even if they personally or their party have a different opinion. In this way the Federal Council speaks with one voice.

Memory aid: Seven heads, one voice: that is the principle of collegiality.