[6][needs update] According to the V-Dem Democracy indices, Switzerland was in 2023 the 4th most electorally democratic country in the world.

Present members are: Guy Parmelin (SVP/UDC), Ignazio Cassis (FDP/PLR), Viola Amherd (DM/LC), Karin Keller-Sutter (FDP/PLR), Albert Rösti (SVP/UDC), and Élisabeth Baume-Schneider (SP/PS).

The Information and Communications Sector is led ad interim by Ursula Eggenberger, following Vice-Chancellor André Simonazzi's death in May 2024; this role also has expanded to become the official spokesman for the Federal Council in 2000.

[11] In Appenzell Innerrhoden and Glarus citizens assemble each year for the Landsgemeinde (general assembly) to elect the cantonal government and judiciary and to vote on several issues on the agenda (direct democracy)[12][13] Switzerland features a system of government not seen in any other nation: direct representation, sometimes called half-direct democracy (this may be arguable, because theoretically, the sovereign of Switzerland is actually its entire electorate).

Amendments to the Federal Constitution of Switzerland, the joining of international organisations, or changes to federal laws that have no foundation in the constitution but will remain in force for more than one year must be put to a popular vote and approved by the majority of both the people and the cantons, a double majority.

[16] In March 2024 58% of optional referendums were accepted from a total of 209[1] Furthermore, any citizen may seek a decision on an amendment they want to make to the constitution.

Voters will decide in a national vote whether to accept the initiative amendment, the counterproposal put forward by the government if any, or both.

In March 2024 11% of popular initiatives were accepted from a total of 231[15] When the optional referendum was first introduced in 1874 and the popular initiative was introduced in 1891, decisions by the liberal government at the time were constantly challenged and blocked through the use of these mechanisms by the conservatives who had lost the civil war in 1849.

If these key groups respond negatively towards a proposed piece of legislation, the government will often sand down the edges to achieve a compromised position that is less likely to be formally challenged via a referendum or initiative.

[19] To ensure that certain powerful groups do not entirely control the narrative on issues up for popular votes, there are rules in place such as prohibiting political advertising on television and radio and the media are required to provide fair and balanced accounts of events related to elections and popular votes.

Most voters support the government in its philosophy of armed neutrality underlying its foreign and defense policies.

Domestic policy poses some major problems, to the point that many observers deem that the system is in crisis[21] but the changing international environment has generated a significant reexamination of Swiss policy in key areas such as defense, neutrality, and immigration.

This shift in voting shares put a strain on the "magic formula", the power-broking agreement of the four coalition parties.

However, in more recent times the powers of the Confederation have increased with regard to education, agriculture, health, energy, the environment, organized crime, and narcotics.

The 2024 Amnesty International annual report[27] found that peaceful protesters faced disproportionate restrictions by police and cantonal authorities.

[28] Switzerland has avoided alliances that might entail military, political, or direct economic action.

In June 2001, Swiss voters approved new legislation providing for the deployment of armed Swiss troops for international peacekeeping missions under United Nations or Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe auspices as well as international cooperation in military training.

Switzerland maintains diplomatic relations with almost all countries and historically has served as a neutral intermediary and host to major international treaty conferences.

In May 2011, due to the Fukushima accident in Japan, the Swiss government decided to abandon plans to build new nuclear reactors.

The country's five existing reactors will be allowed to continue operating, but will not be replaced at the end of their life span.