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Article: Institutions and Outcomes of Swiss Federalism: The Role of the Cantons in Swiss Politics.(Switzerland)
- Article from:
- West European Politics
- Article date:
- April 1, 2001
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2001 Frank Cass & Company Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FEDERAL FRAMEWORK
Together with the United States and Canada, Switzerland is one of the three classical federations in the world. [1] Historically speaking, the Swiss federation can be considered as a case of 'non-centralisation'. When founding the federation in 1848, the 25 cantons kept their own statehood, their own constitutions and most of their political autonomy. They transferred only a few competences to the federal government and assured themselves significant participation rights in the decision-making of the central authorities. Article 3 of the Swiss constitution still defines the division of powers between the Federation ...