How often are the members of the Cantonal Council (Kantonsrat) elected?
Wie oft werden die Mitglieder des Kantonsrats gewählt?
Correct answer: D
- A every 6 yearsalle 6 Jahre
- B every 2 yearsalle 2 Jahre
- C every 7 yearsalle 7 Jahre
- D every 4 yearsalle 4 Jahre
Why
The Cantonal Council (Kantonsrat) is elected every 4 years, just like the Cantonal Government.
Common mistakes
- A: every 6 years
- In Switzerland, terms of office of 4 years are usual, not 6.
- C: every 7 years
- 7 is the number of members of the Cantonal Government, not a term of office.
Topic
Cantonal Council and Council of States
The parliament of the canton of Zurich is called the Cantonal Council (Kantonsrat). It is the legislature, that is the legislative power. The Cantonal Council has 180 members. It makes the cantonal laws and every year decides on the canton's budget. It also supervises the government and the administration. Some judges are also elected by the Cantonal Council.
The three powers control each other.
Legislature
Legislative
makes the laws
Confederation
Federal Assembly
Bundesversammlung
National Council 200 + Council of States 46
Canton of Zurich
Cantonal Council
Kantonsrat
180 members
Executive
Exekutive
carries out the laws
Confederation
Federal Council
Bundesrat
7 members
Canton of Zurich
Cantonal Government
Regierungsrat
7 members
Judiciary
Judikative
judges according to the law
Confederation
Federal Supreme Court
Bundesgericht
Lausanne
Canton of Zurich
Courts
Fourth power the media, which observe politics and the authorities critically.
Canton and municipality of Zurich
Zurich: politics
Sources
Last checked: September 2026
Question 108 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.