How often do voters elect the Federal Parliament?
Wie oft wählen die Stimmbürgerinnen und Stimmbürger das Bundesparlament?
Correct answer: C
- A every 6 yearsalle 6 Jahre
- B every 2 yearsalle 2 Jahre
- C every 4 yearsalle 4 Jahre
- D every 7 yearsalle 7 Jahre
Why
The legislative period lasts four years. After that, the people elect the National Council and the Council of States again.
Common mistakes
- A: every 6 years
- Six years is the term of office of federal judges, not of Parliament.
- B: every 2 years
- Two years would be too short. Parliament is elected every four years.
Topic
National Council and Council of States
The Swiss Parliament is called the Federal Assembly. It has two chambers: the National Council and the Council of States. The National Council has 200 members. It represents the people. Large cantons have more seats than small ones. The Council of States has 46 members. It mainly represents the cantons. Each canton has two seats, the six former half-cantons one each. Together there are 246 members.
200
Nationalrat
National Council: the large chamber with 200 members. It represents the people.
46
Ständerat
Council of States: the small chamber with 46 members. It represents the cantons.
- Cantons: 2 seats each
- Former half-cantons: 1 seat each
200 + 46 = 246
Vereinigte Bundesversammlung
United Federal Assembly: the National Council and the Council of States in a joint session. Parliament makes laws. Together it elects the Federal Council and the Federal Supreme Court.
How the state works
The Federal Parliament
Sources
Last checked: September 2026
Question 34 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.