Federal Assembly (Switzerland)

Composition

The Assembly is divided into two equal-in-power chambers. The larger chamber, the National Council, contains 200 members who represent the Swiss population proportionally and are elected from multi-member constituencies. The smaller chamber, the Council of States, has 46 members who represent the cantons; most members are chosen in majority-vote elections or according to cantonal rules. Both chambers convene in Bern Bern and each member represents their canton cantons.

Powers and functions

Both chambers possess equal legislative authority: laws generally require approval by the National Council and the Council of States. The Assembly enacts federal legislation, approves the budget, supervises the federal administration and has a role in foreign affairs and treaty ratification. It also carries out key appointments and oversight tasks: in joint session (the United Federal Assembly) it elects the Federal Council and other senior federal officers, and appoints judges to the highest courts.

Procedures and sessions

The two chambers usually deliberate separately but must agree on text for federal statutes. They meet several times a year in scheduled sessions and may form committees to examine bills, budgets and policy issues in detail. Parliamentary committees and plenary debates play a central part in refining proposals before laws are adopted.

History and context

The Federal Assembly was established by the Swiss federal constitution of 1848, which created a modern federal state from a confederation of cantons. Since then its structure and procedures have evolved to reflect Switzerland's multilingual, decentralized political culture and direct-democratic elements such as optional referendums and popular initiatives, which allow citizens to challenge or propose legislation.

Notable features

• Equal powers of two chambers ensure both population-based and cantonal representation.
• Multilingual working environment mirrors national diversity.
• Joint sessions perform important electoral and ceremonial functions.

The Federal Assembly remains the primary arena for national debate and lawmaking in Switzerland, balancing popular representation, cantonal interests and continuous public participation in the political system.

National Council and Council of States form the bicameral structure and together define the scope of federal legislation and oversight.