Celebrating 175 years of contemporary Switzerland's history and development
Switzerland is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, marking a significant milestone in the country's history. But the journey to becoming the democratic nation we know today was not without its challenges.
Until the 19th century, Switzerland was a loose confederation of states, a collection of autonomous cantons with their own governments and laws. This structure was put to the test in 1847 when a civil war erupted between liberal-urban (Protestant) and conservative-rural (Catholic) cantons. The conflict led to the adoption of the Swiss Federal Constitution in 1848, transforming the country from a confederation into a federal state with strong cantonal autonomy.
In the following years, Switzerland operated as a consociational democracy, a system where political decisions are made consensually rather than by majority rule. The four strongest political parties during this period were the Free Democratic Party (FDP), the Catholic Conservative Party (later known as the Christian Democratic People's Party, CVP), the Social Democratic Party (SP), and the Swiss People's Party (SVP). These parties dominated Swiss politics throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Despite being considered the first democracy in Europe, women's suffrage was not introduced in Switzerland until 1971. In fact, women in the canton of Appenzell did not gain the right to vote until 1990. Today, Switzerland's citizens have significant influence on political events and legislation through popular votes, a hallmark of direct democracy.
The legislative power in Switzerland lies in a bicameral system consisting of the National Council and the Council of States, both of which are equal. The executive power is held by a government elected jointly by these two bodies. The Federal Council, representing the four strongest parties in the country, plays a crucial role in governing Switzerland.
Switzerland's neutrality in foreign policy is another defining characteristic of the nation. The country is neither a member of the EU nor NATO, maintaining a stance of neutrality that is often debated within Switzerland.
As we celebrate Switzerland's 175th anniversary, it's important to remember the country's rich history and the evolution of its political system. From its roots as a confederation to its current status as a federal state with a strong tradition of direct democracy, Switzerland continues to be a beacon of stability and democracy in Europe.
Editorial corrections and the featured image for this post were made on September 2, 2025.
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