Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Landsgemeinde
The Landsgemeinde is one of the oldest and simplest forms of direct democracy practised in Switzerland.
Eligible citizens of the canton meet on a certain day in the open air to decide on laws and expenditures by the council. Everyone can debate a question. Voting is accomplished by those in favour of a motion raising their hands, or historically by raising their ceremonial sword.
Originally this form of democracy was practiced in all Swiss cantons, today it is still practiced in Appenzell Innerrhoden and Glarus, where it is the highest political instance of the canton. In Glarus it takes place each first Sunday in May, in Appenzell on last Sunday in April.
Critics of the landsgemeinde argue that the democratic fundamental right on anonymous casting of votes by this form of democracy are not ensured. The landsgemeinde was abolished in most cantons not for the aforementioned reason, but because of the sheer population. A ballot vote is easier to handle with thousands of people taking part.
A general assembly system is still in use in many Swiss municipalities. The legislative competence of the municipal assemblies (assemblée communale, Gemeindeversammlung) is determined by the cantons.
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