The cantonal legislatures are elected for four years, except in Fribourg, Vaud, Geneva and Jura, which elect their legislatures for five years.
All other legislatures operate party political systems.
Two cantons, Appenzell Innerrhoden and Glarus, hold Landsgemeinden as their highest legislative body.
Under this system, a form of direct democracy, all adult citizens may attend an annual general assembly, where they may vote on laws.
A permanent legislature also sits more frequently, but sovereignty resides with the Landsgemeinden.