Table 1.1 The Swiss federal system and the executive, legislative and judicial powers at each level

Executive Power Legislative Power Judicial Power
FederationFederal Council:Federal Assembly: Federal Supreme Court:
Seven federal councillors elected by the Federal Assembly. The councillors are the heads of the seven government departments National Council:
200 national councillors elected by the people directly using proportional rule. The number of cantonal representatives depends on population size 		Council of States:
46 state councillors, two for each canton. Popular election according cantonal rules 		39 full-time and 40 substitute federal judges elected by the Federal Assembly
Canton Cantonal Council:
Election by the people every four to five years. The Council consists of five to seven members 		Cantonal Parliament:
Election by the people using proportional rule 		Cantonal Court:
Election by the cantonal council or cantonal parliament
Commune Communal Council:
Election by the people 		Communal assembly:
In small communes usually formed of all citizens in the commune. In larger communes there are properly elected communal parliaments elected by the people 		District Court:
Election by the people of a number of communes forming a district, or appointed by cantonal authorities