How are the members of the Zurich government chosen?
Wie werden die Mitglieder der Zürcher Regierung bestimmt?
Correct answer: D
- A They are appointed by the political parties.Sie werden von den Parteien ernannt.
- B They are elected by the Cantonal Council.Sie werden vom Kantonsrat gewählt.
- C They are elected at party meetings.Sie werden auf Parteiversammlungen gewählt.
- D They are elected by the voters of Zurich.Sie werden von den Zürcher Stimmbürgerinnen und Stimmbürgern gewählt.
Why
The people elect the Cantonal Government directly, every 4 years, in a majority election.
Common mistakes
- B: They are elected by the Cantonal Council.
- The Cantonal Council does not elect the government. This is different from the Federal Council, which is elected by Parliament.
- A: They are appointed by the political parties.
- Parties propose candidates, but the people elect.
Topic
Cantonal Government and directorates
The government of the canton of Zurich is called the Cantonal Government (Regierungsrat). It is the executive, that is the executive power. The Cantonal Government has 7 members. They work full-time. Each member heads a directorate. A directorate is a large part of the cantonal administration, similar to a ministry.
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 113 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.