Tagsatzung

While the composition and functions of the Federal Diet had changed and evolved since its founding in the 15th century, it was most notably reorganised during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic period.

Though a representative body, it differed from modern constitutional assemblies as its member were drawn almost exclusively from the picked interest of the landed and mercantile elite.

[2] Following the invasion and victory of the French Republican forces, the Old Swiss Confederation was disbanded and replaced by the Helvetic Republic.

This was a more centralized form of government than the previous and it was widely opposed as revoking the traditional liberties of local powers.

In its modern form, the Federal Assembly is a true representative body which elects its members according to the votes of the citizens of each canton.