Consensual Government in a Heterogeneous Polity
In: West European politics, Band 24, Heft 2, S. 19-34
ISSN: 0140-2382
The Swiss system of government is renowned for its high stability, which is traditionally related to institutional arrangements such as direct democracy, federalism, & proportional representation. A more detailed analysis shows that the unique mix of presidential & parliamentary elements of consensual & competitive processes & of collegial & departmental structures may lead not only to stability but to problems of coordination & inefficiency as well. Considering the tensions between the various contradicting principles, basic reforms of the governmental system prove to be most difficult to achieve. 1 Appendix. Adapted from the source document.