The referendum: direct democracy in Switzerland

Abstract

Part 1 The development of the referendum in Switzerland: early direct democracy the rise of the referendum - revolution, restoration, and regeneration 1847-1891 - the dawn of the federal referendum 1891-1945 - direct democracy on the road to consensual politics direct democracy in the postwar period the mechanisms of direct democracy today an historical overview is Switzerland sui generis?. Part 2 The theoretical role of the referendum: direct versus representative democracy consensual versus majoritarian democracy central issues in the referendum debate. Part 3 Trends in the exercise of direct democracy: participation levels referendum outcomes. Part 5 The rise and impact of the initiative: the postwar surge of initiatives explaining the increase success at the polls the initiative as a bargaining chip other uses of initiatives general observations. Part 5 Parties, interest groups, and the expression of opinion: the effect of the referendum upon Swiss parties the effect of the referendum upon Swiss interest groups the initiative entrepeneur consultation and corporatism the exploitation of apathy. Part 6 The legislative process in the shadow of the referendum: the legislative process in Switzerland the impact of direct democracy upon legislative functions the impact of direct democracy upon parliamentary behaviour general effects of the referendum upon the Swiss legislature. Part 7 Case studies: the referendum on Swiss entry into the United Nations observations the initiative to abolish the army observations. Part 8 A comparative perspective: Australia Italy California general observations improving the device.