Political configuration
Initiatives and referenda

Initiated referenda as % of all potential referenda 1960–2007

Definitions/Comments: Referenda: Federal laws, certain other federal decisions and treaties with an unlimited period of validity are subject to a facultative referendum: a popular vote takes place if 50,000 signatures of Swiss citizens are collected within 100 days of the publication of the enactment. The number of required signatures was increased from 30,000 to 50,000 in 1977. Successful referendum: required quorum of signatures achieved and approved in popular vote. Not successful referendum: required quorum of signatures not achieved or rejected in popular vote by Swiss citizens.

Source: Federal Chancellery, political rights.

Data for the indicator or in excel.

Description and explanation in the corresponding chapter of the Social Report 2008.