Swiss here:

The government is indeed quite minimalistic and decentralized. It is led by the Federal Council, a seven-member executive body that makes collective decisions rather than being dominated by a single leader. This structure reflects Switzerland’s federal system, where the 26 cantons have significant autonomy.

Switzerland also has a bicameral parliament, consisting of the National Council (representing the population) and the Council of States (representing the cantons). Both chambers play a crucial role in legislation and oversight.

A key feature of Swiss democracy is direct democracy, where citizens regularly vote in referendums and initiatives on laws and constitutional changes. Additionally, national elections are held to elect members of parliament, shaping the political landscape. This system requires active participation but ensures that political power remains widely distributed.

Another key aspect is the militia system, which applies not only to the military but also to politics. Many politicians, especially at the local and cantonal levels, serve part-time while maintaining regular jobs. This fosters a close connection between political decision-makers and everyday citizens, reinforcing Switzerland’s decentralized and participatory governance.

I’d be happy to provide you nostr:nprofile1qqsgydql3q4ka27d9wnlrmus4tvkrnc8ftc4h8h5fgyln54gl0a7dgspzemhxue69uhhyetvv9ujumn0wvh8xmmrd9skcqfnwaehxw309ah8wcewwpexjmtpdshxuet59ashjan2d3jkjmrd0qcxzmphdge8qut5xg68zetyx9arwcfcwvmpqnyx with further details if you’d like.

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Discussion

how do you feel about Switzerland's relationship with Liechtenstein ?

Interesting question! Personally, Liechtenstein almost feels like Switzerland’s 27th canton. They speak a Germanic dialect very similar to Swiss German, use the Swiss franc as their currency, and do not have their own military. Geographically, they occupy the eastern side of a small section of the Upper Rhine Valley, with Switzerland on the western side. This close connection makes them feel very familiar. However, one key difference is that Liechtenstein has a monarch, whereas modern Switzerland has never had a real monarchy.

Liechtenstein allows communities to "opt out" of the monarchy and join Switzerland if they want, right? as I understand it, none have chosen to do this yet.

Opting out – yes. However, whether a municipality could join Switzerland, Germany, or Austria (or XYZ) is not regulated. This would require negotiations. So far, no community has chosen to leave.

I hope that one attempts it so we can see that negotiation process play out.

A thing I'm not sure about: If a community opts out but "nobody will take them", do they end up "stuck" in Liechtenstein, or do they get to become a sovereign of their own?

This is vastly closer to America’s original design than today’s USA is.

🙏 Awesome – thanks for the Zaps! ⚡️

This is why the Swiss Franc is so strong and they have an amazing economy, the Swiss actually borrowed from the US constitution in the 1850s, but it is their decentralised system and referendums that really make it amazing.

can only support what was said above. to be very honest, having grown up in switzerland, it's hard to understand why so many countries have ruling parties and oppositions. in times like eg COVID it was especially visible that navigating the world was difficult, no matter which party was in charge. Since it was all parties in switzerland, there wasn't some opposition that was claiming that they would have done it all different after the fact

Absolutely love Switzerland and the Swiss (little robots that you are! lol) 🇨🇭♥️