The
Country and the Inhabitants
Switzerland
is a small country of Central Europe having a territory of 41285 square KM with
a population of 7,288,010 according to the census of 2000. Despite its limited
population, it is inhabited by a multi-racial people; hence the Swiss society
lacks cultural, ethnic and linguistic affinity. A large majority belongs to
German, Italian and French people, while there are three official languages in
addition to numerous dialectics and other regional languages. Christianity is
the religion of the over whelming majority in which Protestants command
majority. Switzerland is a welfare state and it has comparatively maximum per
capita income throughout the world according to a survey Report published in
1991.
The
presence of national integration is a strange phenomenon in a people who belong
to diverse ethnic groups; All Swiss people adhere to the integrative values and
subordinate their ethnic differences to the common good and national solidarity.
An important feature of their political culture is the development of an
appreciable level of political awareness, to the extent that glimpses of direct
democracy are visible in the working of their political system in the 21st
century. Many other countries have also opted certain features and political
devices of Swiss System, i.e., different forms of direct legislation have been
introduced in some American states on Swiss pattern.
The
political system of Switzerland has its imperative for the students of
Political Science, for its peculiar features. The working of Plural or
Collegial executive is almost unique among the contemporary political systems.
It combines the characteristics and advantages of both, Presidential and
Parliamentary forms of government, as the stability of the former has been
integrated with the accountability of the latter. The .role of Switzerland in
international politics has also been peculiar as it preserved neutrality to an
extent that this policy could not be affected even in the turmoil period of two
Great Wars. It is due to its policy of non-alignment and complete neutrality
that Switzerland has always been a center of political and diplomatic
activities of global importance. The country is not% a member of United Nations
though it has its representation in its various agencies, especially in IMF and
the World Bank. It maintains its permanent observers at United Nations).
Growth
of the Constitution
In
the early period of its history, Switzerland comprised an aggregation of
smaller political units inhabited by the people belonging to different ethnic
groups. Despite ethnic differences, the Swiss society presented a national
outlook. By the end of 13th century, they began to be politically organized in
order to protect their rights. Political history of this country can be divided
into five phases, as detailed below:-
1. Ancient Confederation 1291 to 1798
2. Helvetic Republic 1798 to 1803
3. Napoleon Period 1803 to 1815
4. Confederation 1815 to 1848
5. Present Federation 1848
1.
Ancient Confederation
In
1291, three Cantons formed a Union for the promotion of collective welfare and realization
of common interests. Accordingly, it was resolved that they would settle their
internal disputes through mutual cooperation and help each in case of external
aggression. The doors were kept open for admitting new Cantons into the Union.
Hence almost 13 cantons had become its members by 1513. But the experiment of
Confederation did not prove successful, as the central government lacked
effective control over the component units. The presence of a strong central
government was regarded indispensable for the promotion of collective well being
and prosperity.
2.
Helvetic Republic
Switzerland
became the target of French military aggression in 1798, and the new alien
masters replaced the traditional Swiss system with a distinct one. All the long
established institutions had to undergo complete structural changes. The whole
territory was divided into 22 regions, in which each unit was given autonomous
status. A representative Assembly was formed in each political unit and
bicameral legislature was established in the central set-up. As the system thus
introduced was not in line with the old traditions: the people got frustrated
and stood up against foreign rule to topple it.
3.
Napoleon Period
Under
the impact of wide-spread demonstrations and protest movements, Napoleon had to
adopt conciliatory attitude and a new law known as "Conciliatory Law",
was enforced. Under the new arrangements, six more Cantons were added to the
original 13 Cantons of the Union, making a total of 19 Cantons. Separate
Constitutions were framed for the federal government as well as for each
federating unit and sufficient autonomy was secured to the latter. This system
continued to exist till 1815 when further changes took place after the defeat
of Napoleon.
4.
Confederation
After
the fall of Napoleon's regime, there occurred drastic changes on the political
map of Europe. Consequently Switzerland also got independence. A new constitution
was adopted which could suit to the genesis of a progressive society. Under the
new arrangements, three more cantons were added to the Union making the total
22. All the federating units got equal political status and enjoyed full
autonomy, at least in their internal matters.
Progressive
and liberal movement in Europe became more active and assumed populist form
after 1830. Swiss masses also got affected by the newly emerging revolutionary
trends and were successful in forming progressive democratic governments in
many Cantons. The new regimes aimed at integrating the Swiss governmental system
with new emerging liberal trends. But
extra revolutionary activities of the progressive elements gave way to internal
disturbances. As a result, seven Cantons, dominated by the Catholic majority,
threatened to secede from the Confederation. The Confederal government, on the
other hand, severely dealt with the reactionary trends and resorted to
high-handedness. A state of civil war continued for some-time but the
secessionist Cantons' had to surrender ultimately. On perceiving the new
popular trends, the Central Legislative Assembly, however, drafted a new
Constitution in 1848, which was later approved by the people through
referendum.
5.
The Constitution of 1848/2000
The
Constitution of 1848 was a subtle mixture of old traditions and contemporary
trends. The powers of the federal government were increased under the
Constitution, especially its control over foreign affairs, defense and certain
economic activities, was made more effective. Bicameral legislature was
established in which the lower Chamber was organized on popular basis while the
Upper Chamber represented the federating units on parity basis. Federal Council
was vested with the supreme executive authority. Maximum autonomy was secured
to the Cantons especially to conduct matters of regional importance.
With
the lapse of time, the need for a more effective central government began NI be
realized desperately in all quarters. In the face of the changing political
trends, the Constitution was revised in 1874 to cope up with the new needs.
Drastic changes were inserted in the new draft of the Constitution. The
Legislative Assembly gave its approval to the revised draft and later it was
approved by the people at a referendum. The revised draft of the Constitution,
after its approval, was enforced on 29th May, 1874, and remained in force till,
1999. A new Constitution was approved in the Referendum held on 18 April, 1999,
and enforced on 1st January 2000, Nevertheless, there is no basic difference
between both the Constitutions.
Under
this Constitution', such a federal system has been introduced which can ensure
the establishment of an effective central government along 1 with securing
maximum autonomy to the Cantons. The powers of the central government were
expanded especially in matters of industry and commerce. The sphere of state
action was also increased in various fields of life. The traditional devices of
direct democracy have not only been preserved, rather further strengthened.
Though this country has never remained a member of 0 UN, it is likely to
perform in future its due role in the world body. The referendum held on 3
March 2002 approved a government proposal aiming at attending General Assembly
Session of September 2002, on the part of Switzerland.
0 comments:
Post a Comment