Top 4 Powers and Functions of Federal Executive in Switzerland 2025

Introduction

The Swiss Federal Executive, composed of the Federal Council, is the head of government and the executive branch of the Swiss Confederation. The Council is made up of seven ministers, each of whom heads one of the seven departments of government. The President of the Confederation, who is also the head of the Federal Council, is elected by the Federal Assembly for a one-year term.

The Federal Executive is responsible for carrying out the laws passed by the Federal Assembly and for representing Switzerland in international affairs. It also has the power to issue decrees and regulations, and to appoint and dismiss federal officials.

Powers and Functions of the Federal Executive

1. Executive Power

The Federal Executive has the power to carry out the laws passed by the Federal Assembly. This includes the power to:

• Implement and enforce laws
• Issue decrees and regulations
• Appoint and dismiss federal officials
• Manage the federal budget
• Conduct foreign policy

2. Legislative Power

The Federal Executive has the power to propose legislation to the Federal Assembly. It can also issue decrees and regulations that have the force of law.

3. Judicial Power

The Federal Executive has the power to appoint and dismiss federal judges. It can also review the decisions of lower courts.

4. Administrative Power

The Federal Executive has the power to administer the federal government. This includes the power to:

• Manage the federal budget
• Hire and fire federal employees
• Acquire and dispose of property
• Enter into contracts

How does the Federal Executive work?

The Federal Executive meets weekly to discuss and make decisions on matters of government policy. The President of the Confederation chairs the meetings and has the casting vote in the event of a tie.

The Federal Executive is supported by a staff of civil servants who provide research, analysis, and advice. The civil servants are organized into seven departments, each of which is headed by one of the seven ministers.

The Federal Executive is accountable to the Federal Assembly, which can pass a vote of no confidence in the Council or individual ministers. The Council can also be dismissed by a popular referendum.

The Federal Executive in the Swiss Political System

The Federal Executive is one of the three main branches of the Swiss government, along with the Federal Assembly and the Federal Judiciary. The three branches of government work together to ensure that the Swiss Confederation is governed in a fair and efficient manner.

Tips for Understanding the Federal Executive

• The Federal Executive is the head of government and the executive branch of the Swiss Confederation.
• The Council is made up of seven ministers, each of whom heads one of the seven departments of government.
• The President of the Confederation is elected by the Federal Assembly for a one-year term.
• The Federal Executive is responsible for carrying out the laws passed by the Federal Assembly and for representing Switzerland in international affairs.
• The Federal Executive has the power to issue decrees and regulations, and to appoint and dismiss federal officials.

Conclusion

The Federal Executive is a powerful and important institution in the Swiss political system. It is responsible for carrying out the laws passed by the Federal Assembly and for representing Switzerland in international affairs. The Federal Executive works to ensure that the Swiss Confederation is governed in a fair and efficient manner.