Tasks of the canton, districts, petition

Switzerland has three levels: Confederation, cantons and municipalities. The cantons have their own laws, their own government and their own administration. The Confederation, on the other hand, is responsible for the army, foreign policy, customs and monetary policy. Treaties with the European Union are also concluded by the Confederation.

Typical tasks of the canton of Zurich are: university and universities of applied sciences, hospitals, police, courts and cantonal roads. The University of Zurich is a cantonal university. Together with the municipalities, the canton is also responsible for state schools (Volksschule). The cantonal administration implements the laws. It consists of 7 directorates with many offices, for example the Migration Office or the Road Traffic Office.

The canton of Zurich is divided into 12 districts, for example Zurich, Winterthur, Uster, Horgen or Meilen. Each municipality belongs to a district. A district is an administrative unit between the canton and the municipalities and has its own authorities. Each district has, for example, a district court. This way the cantonal administration is not only in the city of Zurich, but everywhere in the canton.

In the canton of Zurich, only Swiss citizens may vote and elect. But anyone may submit a petition, including foreigners and children. A petition is a written request or demand to an authority. The authority must examine it. A referendum, on the other hand, can only be signed by people entitled to vote.

Memory aid: 12 districts like the 12 months of the year.