On 12 September 2023, Switzerland’s parliament celebrated the 175th anniversary of the nation’s federal constitution. © Todor Dinchev | Dreamstime.comExactly 175 years ago in 1848 Switzerland’s federal constitution came into force following political crisis and a war between protestants and catholics in 1847 known as the Sonderbund War. The new federal constitution gave the cantons sovereignty as long as their governance did not impinge on the document. The creation of Switzerland’s bicameral assembly, which is set out in part of the constitution, was inspired by the United States Constitution. The first in 1891 introduced popular votes, Switzerland’s famous referendum that allows voters to change the constitution.

Source: Le News September 15, 2023 09:44 UTC