https://padlet.com/emma_lewis5/pmqmnmrx3yuq en-us 2019-01-25 21:12:14 UTC 2025-09-25 00:29:37 UTC hello@padlet.com emma_lewis5 https://padlet.com/emma_lewis5/pmqmnmrx3yuq/wish/324511654 Unlike most other European countries, Switzerland does not have a Prime Minister or President. Switzerland has a direct democracy where citizens play a huge role in the actions of the government. There are 3 separate parts of the government; Executive, Judicial, and Legislative which are all organized with federal, cantonal, and communal levels. The Federal Assembly (aka legislature) is made up of two chambers, the Council of States and the National Council, who take care of legislative duties. Citizens are allowed to attend their meetings and challenge any law or amendment being made. The Federal Council (aka executive branch) consists of 6 members who run what can be called a collective presidency. Each member leads a department such as finances, economy and education, internal affairs, defense and sports, energy, traffic and environment, and justice. Lastly, the Federal Supreme Court (aka judiciary branch) consisting of judges. They are the top court of appeal and also receive appeals from the federal administration on administrative rulings.  https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-type-of-government-does-switzerland-have.html]]> 2019-01-25 21:26:51 UTC https://padlet.com/emma_lewis5/pmqmnmrx3yuq/wish/324511654 emma_lewis5 https://padlet.com/emma_lewis5/pmqmnmrx3yuq/wish/324517609 Switzerland has a bill of rights that is condensed to 20 fundamental rights every Swiss citizen has. Many of these rights are similar if not the same as those of the US. For example, the first and most important right is human dignity meaning every citizens life is to be respected at all times. Next, all citizens have the right to equality in the workplace, at home, and during education. They also have the right to freedom of press, media, speech, religion, and assembly. Everyone is given the freedom of residence and protection against being kicked out of the country. Refugees are granted asylum in the country and are given the same rights as those of citizens. Lastly, every citizen if free economically to use their money however they would like and can choose their profession. http://www.politicalsciencenotes.com/switzerland/top-20-fundamental-rights-of-the-swiss-citizens/1430]]> 2019-01-25 22:00:27 UTC https://padlet.com/emma_lewis5/pmqmnmrx3yuq/wish/324517609 emma_lewis5 https://padlet.com/emma_lewis5/pmqmnmrx3yuq/wish/324518901 Leaders are elected in Switzerland similarly to how they are in the US. For example, in the Federal Assembly, the Swiss citizens vote 200 people into the National Council every 4 years. In the Federal Council, parliament elects 6 people for the collective presidency. These 6 do not have set term limits so Parliament elects a new person every time one steps down. Swiss citizens do not vote for their top leaders (aka presidents) like we do in the US. In the Federal Supreme Court, judges are elected by the Federal Assembly every 6 years. This is different from the US because here the president appoints judges in the supreme court. Swiss citizens have majority of the control over who takes over power.
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-type-of-government-does-switzerland-have.html]]> 2019-01-25 22:10:00 UTC https://padlet.com/emma_lewis5/pmqmnmrx3yuq/wish/324518901 emma_lewis5 https://padlet.com/emma_lewis5/pmqmnmrx3yuq/wish/324518933 Switzerland s laws are also very similar to those of the US. Smoking is illegal in the workplace and any enclosed spaces open to the public such as restaurants and other establishments. People are allowed to own guns and many do but even with this being the case Switzerland has the lowest mass shooting rate in the world. Most men are even required to learn how to use a gun properly. The Swiss have a lot of the same traffic laws as the US as well. For example, they drive on the right hand side of the road and it is illegal to use a mobile device while driving. Although it being illegal to drive intoxicate is the same, Switzerland BAL is lower with the legal limit being 0.05. Another difference is that you must be 18 to get your license and drive a car.
https://www.expatica.com/ch/living/transportation/driving-and-parking-in-switzerland-100029/
https://www.businessinsider.com/switzerland-gun-laws-rates-of-gun-deaths-2018-2]]> 2019-01-25 22:10:21 UTC https://padlet.com/emma_lewis5/pmqmnmrx3yuq/wish/324518933 emma_lewis5 https://padlet.com/emma_lewis5/pmqmnmrx3yuq/wish/324519026 Democracy and Dictatorship are two VERY different styles of government. In a democracy citizens have many rights they receive from birth where as in a dictatorship these rights are suppressed and citizens have little to none. Citizens vote for their leader in a democracy where as citizens have zero say who leads them in a dictatorship. These governments leaders run each very different and have different levels of power. In a democracy, the president does not have full power instead he has many people and a constitution that keep him in check. On the other hand, in a dictatorship the dictator has full power and can do as he pleases. Democracy is run where all citizens have a say in what goes on in the country. Citizens of a dictatorship have no say and must fully obey what the dictator says or they could be killed. Dictators are worshiped and if a citizen doesn't they will be killed on spot where as citizens of a democracy may not like their president and that is okay.]]> 2019-01-25 22:11:05 UTC https://padlet.com/emma_lewis5/pmqmnmrx3yuq/wish/324519026