Through a popular initiative …
Durch eine Volksinitiative kann …
Correct answer: B
- A the National Council and the Council of States can be removed from office.der National- und Ständerat abgesetzt werden.
- B the Federal Constitution can be amended.die Bundesverfassung geändert werden.
- C international law can be amended.das Völkerrecht geändert werden.
- D the Federal Council can be replaced.der Bundesrat ausgetauscht werden.
Why
At federal level, a popular initiative always calls for an amendment to the Federal Constitution. Parliament must then implement the new rules.
Common mistakes
- C: international law can be amended.
- International law applies between states. Switzerland cannot change it alone, and every initiative must respect mandatory international law.
- D: the Federal Council can be replaced.
- The Federal Council is elected by the Federal Assembly. An initiative cannot replace it.
- A: the National Council and the Council of States can be removed from office.
- The National Council and the Council of States are elected by the people and remain in office until the next elections.
Topic
The popular initiative: amending the Constitution
With a popular initiative, the people themselves bring in a new idea. A group of citizens proposes an amendment to the Federal Constitution. In this way important concerns of the population come to a vote, even if the government and Parliament do not want them. That is why the initiative is an important political right.
The majority of cantons votes yes.
- Canton 1 × 20
- Half-canton ½ × 6
20 × 1 + 6 × ½ = 23 cantonal votes
Needed: 12 of 23. The 6 former half cantons count half.
Map: Bundesamt für Statistik (BFS), GEOSTAT.
Having a say: rights and obligations
Initiative and referendum
Sources
Last checked: September 2026
Question 49 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.