First among equals, the president of the Confederation has no powers over and above the other six councillors and continues to head the assigned department.

For example, since joining the United Nations, Swiss presidents have on occasion spoken at inaugural sessions of the General Assembly along with other visiting heads of state and government.

Visiting heads of state are received by the seven members of the Federal Council together, rather than by the president of the Confederation.

[3][8][4] In the nineteenth century, the election as president of the confederation was an award for especially esteemed Federal Council members.

[citation needed] Until 1920, it was customary for the serving president to also lead the Department of Foreign Affairs.

[citation needed] A vice-president of the Federal Council is elected alongside the president of the Swiss Confederation; customarily, the elected vice-president is the member of the Federal Council who is expected to become president the following year.