06 - What are the most important civil rights?

Swiss citizens have a whole range of options for actively shaping politics in the country. To do this, they must at least 18 years old be a Swiss citizen and have Swiss citizenship.

The most important civil rights are:

  • The Voting and election rights: Several times a year, voters decide in referendums at the local, cantonal and federal levels.
  • The Right of initiative and referendum: Citizens can demand amendments to the Federal Constitution by means of an initiative. With a referendum, they can demand that parliamentary resolutions be submitted to the people for a final vote. Both the initiative and the referendum must meet certain requirements, such as a certain number of signatures, in order to be valid.
  • The right of petition: This right allows everyone (including migrants) to make suggestions, requests or complaints in writing to the authorities.
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