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.
Parliament comprises the National Council (200 members: the number of seats allocated to each canton is proportional to its population) and the Council of States (46 members: two seats per canton, and one per half-canton). The two councils have equal powers: together they form the United Federal Assembly. Parliament enacts legislation and monitors the activities of the Federal Council and the Federal Supreme Court. The members of parliament are elected, and may be held accountable, 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.
The separation of the legislative, executive and judicial functions applies at all three levels of government in Switzerland (federal, cantonal and communal). The separation of powers aims to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals or institutions, and to stop any abuse of power.