Gap fill
The principle of dividing power into three branches is called ...
separation of powers
Council of States
The chamber of parliament that represents the cantons.
What does the National Council represent?
A) The cantons
B) The Swiss population
C) The Federal Council
B) The Swiss population
Which part of the Swiss Parliament represents the cantons and gives each canton equal weight regardless of population size?
Council of States
A citizen-led proposal to change the Constitution is called a ...
popular vote / popular initiative
inner dignity
The basic worth that every person has simply because they are human. Cannot be taken away by a democratic majority.
What is the purpose of a popular initiative?
A) To challenge a new law
B) To propose a constitutional change
C) To elect Federal Councillors
B) To propose a constitutional change
Which political concept describes a system where citizens influence politics mainly by electing representatives rather than voting on laws themselves?
Indirect democracy
On the left–right spectrum, left-wing politics generally supports more state involvement, while right-wing politics tends to prioritise individual ________.
freedom
difference between direct and indirect democracy
Direct democracy:
Citizens vote directly on political decisions.
Indirect democracy:
Citizens elect representatives who make political decisions for them.
Which statement best describes the principle of collegiality?
A) Each councillor always votes individually
B) Councillors publicly support group decisions
C) Councillors must always agree privately
B) Councillors publicly support group decisions
What is the name of the political grouping inside parliament where members of the same party (or similar parties) coordinate their strategies and positions?
Parliamentary group
The National Council uses __________ representation.
proportional
Federal Assembly
The two-chamber Swiss parliament: National Council + Council of States.
Why does Switzerland use a two-chamber system?
A) To speed up decision-making
B) To give equal power to parties
C) To balance the interests of cantons and population
C) To balance the interests of cantons and population
Which parliamentary body prepares detailed reports and recommendations, allowing the chambers to make informed decisions on complex issues?
In Switzerland, a mandatory referendum is required for any change to the federal ________. An optional referendum, on the other hand, allows citizens to challenge a new federal ________ if they collect 50,000 signatures.
2 - law
Majority system
A voting system where the candidate with the most votes wins.
When can an individual bring a case to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR)?
A) Only after using all national legal remedies and claiming a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights
B) Immediately after a national court makes any decision the person disagrees with
C) Only if their government gives permission to take the case to the ECtHR
A) Only after using all national legal remedies and claiming a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights
Which system of electing representatives tends to favour larger parties or candidates with the most votes, often resulting in fewer but clearer winners?
Majority system