Swiss Council of States

The Council of States of Switzerland (German: Ständerat, French Conseil des Etats, Italian Consiglio degli Stati) is the upper house of the Swiss parliament. There are 46 Councillors.

Related Topics:
Switzerland - Parliament

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20 cantons send two Councillors each, whereas the smaller cantons of Obwalden, Nidwalden, Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft, Appenzell Ausserrhoden and Appenzell Innerrhoden only send one Councillor each.

Related Topics:
Cantons - Obwalden - Nidwalden - Basel-Stadt - Basel-Landschaft - Appenzell Ausserrhoden - Appenzell Innerrhoden

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The Councillors serve for four years, and are not bound in their vote to instructions from the Cantonal authorities. Under the Swiss Federal Constitution, the mode of election is left to the cantons; however, all cantons now provide for the councillors to be chosen by popular election. In all Cantons except for Zug and Graubünden, the Councillors are elected concurrently with the members of the National Council. In the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden the representatives are elected by the physically convened popular assembly (Landsgemeinde). With the exception of the Canton of Jura, where a proportional representation election system is used, the representatives are elected by majority vote.

Related Topics:
Swiss Federal Constitution - Zug - Graubünden - Appenzell Innerrhoden - Canton of Jura

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There are currently (2002) 9 women in the Council of States (19.5%).

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