In Switzerland, the state has three branches: the governing branch (the executive), the law-making branch (the legislature) and the judicial branch (the judiciary). This separation applies at all levels of government (federal, cantonal and communal) and prevents an abuse of power. A person may belong to only one of the three branches of the state (at federal, cantonal or communal level) at any one time.
The Federal Council is the Swiss government. It deals with the ongoing task of governing the country and implements the laws and other decisions adopted by Parliament. Each of the seven members of the Federal Council is head of one of the seven federal departments, which together with the Federal Chancellery make up the Federal Administration.
The Swiss Parliament comprises two chambers, the National Council and the Council of States:
The National Council has 200 members. The seats are allocated to the cantons according to population size. Each canton has at least one seat.
The Council of States has 46 members. Most cantons each have two seats, but the former half-cantons have one seat each.
The two chambers are on an equal footing; together they form the Federal Assembly. The parliament enacts laws and oversees the activities of the Federal Council and the Federal Supreme Court. Members of parliament are elected by the people.
The Federal supreme Court is Switzerland’s highest court. Its task is to ensure the uniform application of the law and to uphold the rights of ordinary people. As the highest court of appeal, it also rules on disputes between individuals and the state or between the Confederation and the cantons.