[3] The Councillors serve for four years, and are not bound in their vote to instructions from the cantonal authorities.

Under the Swiss Federal Constitution, the mode of election to the Council of States is left to the cantons, the provision being that it must be a democratic method.

In all the cantons except Appenzell Innerrhoden the councillors are elected concurrently with the members of the National Council.

In Appenzell Innerrhoden the representative is elected by the popular assembly (Landsgemeinde) during the April before the national vote.

In debates, councilors can choose any of the federal languages, usually the one they are most proficient in: German, French, Italian, or Romansh.

In three[clarification needed] cases, votes require a majority in both councils in order to pass: emergency legislation, votes on subsidies, guarantees, or any expenditure of more than 20 million CHF on a non-recurring basis, or 2 million CHF on a recurring basis.

A Stöckli is a second home built on a farm for the elder farmer after the property has been deeded[clarification needed] to the heirs.

The name is applied to the chamber as it is viewed as having older members than the National Council.).

[11] As a result of the affair, council member This Jenny introduced a bill to require electronic voting.