Switzerland is a federal state composed of 26 following cantons: Aargau, Appenzell Ausser-Rhoden, Appenzell Inner-Rhoden, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Bern, Fribourg, Geneve, Glarus, Graubunden, Jura, Luzern, Neuchatel, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Sankt Gallen, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, Thurgau, Ticino, Uri, Valais, Vaud, Zug and Zurich.

The cantons retain some attributes of sovereignty, such as fiscal autonomy and the right to manage internal cantonal affairs. Under the 2000 Constitution, cantons hold all powers not specifically delegated to the federation.

The primary seat of power is the bicameral Swiss parliament, the Federal Assembly, which has two houses – the Council of State and the National Council, both having equal powers in all respect, including the right to introduce the legislation. The Council of state consists of 46 members who are directly elected in each canton by majority voting. The National Council consists of 200 members also elected in each canton but under the system of proportional representation. Members of both houses serve for 4 years.

Through referenda, citizens may challenge any law voted by federal parliament and through initiatives introduce amendments to the federal constitution, making Switzerland a direct democracy.

All citizens of 18 or older have the right to vote and run for office in national, cantonal, and communal elections.

The top executive body and collective Head of State is the Federal Council, a collegial body of seven members elected by the Federal Assembly for 4-year terms. The President of the Confederation is elected from the seven to assume special representative functions for one year.