What is often referred to as the fourth power in the state?

The media inform the population and criticise politics and the authorities. Because they control power in this way, they are often called the fourth power.

Common mistakes

B: associations and clubs

Associations and clubs represent interests and influence politics. But it is the media that are called the fourth power.

A: the church

The church has no state power in Switzerland and is not considered the fourth power.

Legislature, executive, judiciary (and the media)

In Switzerland the power of the state is divided among three branches. This is called the separation of powers. In German the word «Gewalt» here does not mean violence but power. No person and no authority should have all the power. The branches control each other. This prevents abuse of power. The separation of powers exists at all three levels of government: in the Confederation, in the cantons and in the municipalities.

How the state works
Separation of powers

Sources

• stadt-zuerich.ch
• ch.ch

Last checked: September 2026

Question 71 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.

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