How are the members of the Cantonal Council chosen?
Wie werden die Mitglieder des Kantonsrats bestimmt?
Correct answer: A
- A through electionsdurch Wahlen
- B through appointment by the cantonal governmentdurch Ernennung von der Kantonsregierung
- C by the Federal Parliamentdurch das eidgenössische Parlament
- D by the canton's members of the Council of Statesdurch die Ständeräte des Kantons
Why
The people elect the 180 members of the Cantonal Council every 4 years in a proportional election.
Common mistakes
- B: through appointment by the cantonal government
- The government does not appoint the parliament, because the parliament is supposed to supervise the government.
- D: by the canton's members of the Council of States
- The members of the Council of States represent the canton in Bern; they do not decide who sits in the Cantonal Council.
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 116 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.