Can voters stop a new law?
Können die Stimmbürgerinnen und Stimmbürger ein neues Gesetz stoppen?
Correct answer: D
- A Yes, with an initiativeJa - mit einer Initiative
- B No, only the Federal Council can change lawsNein - nur der Bundesrat kann Gesetze ändern
- C No, only the National Council can change lawsNein - nur der Nationalrat kann Gesetze ändern
- D Yes, with a referendumJa - mit einem Referendum
Why
With a referendum, the people can vote on a new law before it applies. If the majority says no, the law does not come into force.
Common mistakes
- A: Yes, with an initiative
- An initiative proposes something new for the Constitution. To stop a law passed by Parliament, you need a referendum.
- B: No, only the Federal Council can change laws
- Laws are made by Parliament, not by the Federal Council. And the people can stop them with a referendum.
- C: No, only the National Council can change laws
- The National Council does not decide alone; the Council of States must also agree. The people can have the last word.
Topic
The referendum: stopping a law
Parliament makes the laws. The National Council and the Council of States pass them together. But the people can stop a new law. The tool for this is called a referendum. In a referendum the people say yes or no to a decision that Parliament has already made.
Having a say: rights and obligations
Initiative and referendum
Sources
Last checked: September 2026
Question 6 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.