Building political support

Abstract

Volume 6 explores the role of scientists in the science-policy dialogue. It provides an overview of the most important elements of the Swiss political system. It outlines the general structure and law-making process and discusses how scientific experts are able to exert influence on political processes and decisions. In contrast to political systems, where the only official political participation of citizens is the election of representatives, Switzerland has a political system of direct democracy, which means that people decide directly on many policies by regular referendums.