Swiss Federal Constitution (1874)

The 1874 charter, totally revised in 1999, of the worlds referendum democracy.

Overview

The Swiss Constitution of 1874 revised the 1848 founding text, deepening the federal state and opening the legislative referendum and later initiatives in 1891, making citizens co legislators. A century of amendments produced a patchwork until the total revision of 1999, which modernized the text without changing substance, effective January 1, 2000. It entrenches four language regions cantonal and communal autonomy, the Landsgemeinde tradition in some cantons, and fundamental rights with the European convention influence. Its article 190 unique clause makes federal statutes and international law binding on courts, a distinctive Swiss twist on judicial review.