ASSIGNMENT TITLE

How Local Government work in developed Countries

Switzerland

ASSIGNMENT # 1 SEMESTER FALL-2023

Submission Date (November 16,2023)

BY

Talha Khalid 22011515-007

Hassan Nazeer 22011515-009

Shahwaiz 22011515-015

POL-302 (Introduction to Political Science-III)

BS-Political Science

Submitted to

DR Shumaila Rafique

UNIVERSITY OF GUJRAT
Contents
Local Government:................................................................................................................................1
Switzerland:...........................................................................................................................................1
Evolution of local government:.............................................................................................................1
Communes:...........................................................................................................................................1
Citizen Participation:..............................................................................................................................2
Structure of Communes in Switzerland:................................................................................................2
Functions of Communes:.......................................................................................................................2
Significance of Communes:....................................................................................................................3
Conclusion:............................................................................................................................................3
Local Government:
Local government, in its simplest sense, is government that is specific to a particular locality,
for example a village, district, town, city or county. More particularly, it is a form of
government that has no share in sovereignty, and is thus entirely subordinate to central
authority or, in a federal system, to state or regional authority.

Switzerland:
Switzerland is governed under a federal system at three levels: the Confederation, the cantons
and the communes. Thanks to direct democracy, citizens can have their say directly on
decisions at all political levels. This wide range of opportunities for democratic participation
plays a vital role in a country as geographically, culturally and linguistically varied as
Switzerland. Since becoming a federal state in 1848, Switzerland has expanded the
opportunities it provides for democratic participation. Various instruments are used to include
minorities as much as possible – a vital political feature in a country with a range of
languages and cultures. The country's federal structure keeps the political process as close as
possible to Swiss citizens. Of the three levels, the communes are the closest to the people,
and are granted as many powers as possible. Powers are delegated upwards to the cantons and
the Confederation only when this is necessary.
7 federal councillors, 26 cantonal governments, 2,172 communal councils and 5.5 million
voters shape Switzerland's destiny.

Evolution of local government:

The beginnings of the modern municipality system date back to the Helvetic Republic. Under
the Old Swiss Confederacy, citizenship was granted by each town and village to only
residents. These citizens enjoyed access to community property and in some cases additional
protection under the law. Additionally, the urban towns and the rural villages had differing
rights and laws. The creation of a uniform Swiss citizenship, which applied equally for
citizens of the old towns and their tenants and servants, led to conflict. The wealthier
villagers and urban citizens held rights to forests, common land, and other municipal property
which they did not want to share with the "new citizens", who were generally poor. The
compromise solution, which was written into the municipal laws of the Helvetic Republic, is
still valid today.

Communes:
There is third level of government in Switzerland, the local level. Cities, towns and villages
often enjoy a great deal of autonomy in running their own affairs. Around a fifth of
Switzerland's communes have their own parliaments, and local laws relating to matters such
as streets, school buildings, water and energy prices, as well as parking
regulations.Communes are governed by their own elected representatives. Depending on the
canton, communes enjoy sometimes considerable discretionary powers besides implementing
the decisions of higher-level governments. They decide on matters of education, health,
transport and public security. They also collect all taxes.

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The majority of communes hold an annual assembly where citizens can vote on issues put
before them. In cities and larger towns, however, most of the decision-making is done by a
local parliament and an elected municipal council; but citizens still get to vote (at the ballot-
box or by post) on major decisions like the municipal budget.

Citizen Participation:
Switzerland places a strong emphasis on direct democracy, and communes are no exception.
Citizens have the right to participate in local decision-making processes through referendums
and initiatives. A referendum can be triggered by collecting a certain number of signatures on
a petition, and it allows citizens to vote on specific issues or proposed legislation. Initiatives,
on the other hand, enable citizens to propose new legislation.

Structure of Communes in Switzerland:

Communes in Switzerland are the equivalent of municipalities in many other countries. Each
commune is a legally independent entity with its own government and administration. These
communes are located across the country's 26 cantons, which are the equivalent of states in
the Swiss political system.Communes vary in size, population, and resources, with some
having only a few hundred residents, while others have tens of thousands. The structure and
organization of communes can vary significantly from one canton to another, reflecting
Switzerland's commitment to local autonomy and flexibility.
Each commune has its own elected officials and administrative apparatus. The key officials in
a commune typically include a mayor, a communal council (legislative body), and various
administrative offices.The communal council is usually composed of local residents elected
by the commune's citizens. The size of the council depends on the commune's population,
with larger communes having larger councils. The council is responsible for passing local
ordinances, setting budgets, and making decisions on various communal matters.

Functions of Communes:
Communes in Switzerland play a critical role in providing essential public services and
maintaining public infrastructure. These services include, but are not limited to:
Local Administration:
Communes are responsible for various administrative tasks, such as issuing identity
documents, maintaining local civil registers, and organizing local elections.
Education:
Communes are in charge of running local schools, which are a fundamental part of
Switzerland's highly decentralized education system.
Waste Management:
Communes are responsible for waste collection and disposal, as well as recycling programs.
Urban Planning:
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 Communes establish and enforce zoning regulations, manage land use, and issue
construction permits.
Public Safety:
Local police forces often fall under the jurisdiction of communes, especially in smaller
municipalities.
Infrastructure:
Communes maintain local roads, bridges, and public buildings. They also provide public
transportation services in many areas.
Social Services:
Some communes are responsible for social services, including welfare assistance and support
for the elderly and disabled.
Taxation:
Communes have the authority to levy taxes on their residents to fund these services.

Significance of Communes:
The commune system in Switzerland is significant for several reasons:
Local Autonomy:
Communes enjoy a high degree of autonomy in decision-making, reflecting Switzerland's
federal structure and commitment to local self-governance.
Direct Democracy:
Communes provide a platform for citizens to engage in direct democracy, giving them a say
in local affairs.
Tailored Services:
Communes can tailor public services to the specific needs and preferences of their residents,
allowing for flexibility in governance.
Decentralization:
Switzerland's communal system is a manifestation of its broader decentralized governance
structure, ensuring that decisions are made as close to the citizens as possible.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the commune system in Switzerland serves as a fundamental building block of
the country's unique federal and democratic system. These local government units are
responsible for a wide range of essential services, and they empower citizens to participate
directly in governance. The system's emphasis on local autonomy and direct democracy
aligns with Switzerland's commitment to political and administrative decentralization.