Swiss people power

Article Abstract:

Referenda are held more often in Switzerland than in any other country. A popular vote can be forced on any legislative proposal by someone who can obtain 50,000 signatures. The system is expensive to run, and proposals have to be translated into Italian, German and French. Five initiatives have been adopted of 68 voted on between 1971 and 1997. The government plans to increase the number of signatures that have to be obtained to force a vote, and initially suggested 200,000, but has compromised at 150,000.

National Government, Public Administration

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So long as it's clear who's in charge

Article Abstract:

Swiss voters have had the right to put any parliamentary or independently written law to a national vote since 1866. Too many frivolous referendums have lowered voter turnout, but a reform of petitioning rules could restore confidence. The parliament and referendum systems complement each other.

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Here's how it can be done better

Article Abstract:

Switzerland's cantons take direct democracy further than the federal government, sometimes in experimental ways that the rest of the country can adopt or reject. In most cases, the people wish to vote directly on big decisions, and have politicians take care of the day-to-day business.

Democracy

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