How Swiss direct democracy works
How Swiss direct democracy works (2025)2025 · Web page · What are Switzerland's direct democratic tools?EstablishedSource attached · not independently reviewedCLM-0087 · as of 2026-10-27 · about: Swiss federal direct democracy (initiative and referendum) · Author: Polity Atlas editorial team
“At federal level the mandatory referendum dates from 1848, the optional referendum from 1874 (50,000 signatures within 100 days) and the popular initiative from 1891 (100,000 signatures within 18 months). Initiatives and mandatory referendums need a majority of voters and of cantons.”
Evidence that supports
3Swiss direct democracy
Swiss direct democracy (2021)2021 · Web page · Mandatory referendum; Optional referendum; People's initiativeThe Swiss state and its citizens after 1848
The Swiss state and its citizens after 1848 (2026)2026 · Web page · Federal Constitution of 1874; partial revision of 1891Evidence that contradicts
0No counter-evidence recorded.
Status history
No earlier revisions.
Disputes
No disputes have been filed.