Switzerland History

History of Switzerland goes as early to the 13th century. It was formed in the 1291 when the three cantons of Schwyz, Uri and Unterwalden joined hands to protect their borders.

The three original cantons later joined (in 1353) by the cantons of Glarus and Zug and the city states of Lucerne, Zürich, and Berne, forming the ‘Old Federation’ of eight states that persisted during much of the 15th century. In 1440s Zürich was expelled from the confederation due to a conflict over the territory of Toggenburg (the Old Zürich War).

This made the federation more powerful and wealthy in particular due to the victories over Charles the Bold of Burgundy during the 1470s and the success of Swiss mercenaries.

In 1847, an important event took place, which helped Switzerland to move towards a proper constitutional arrangement. The event was the civil war between Catholic and Protestant cantons. As a result of the civil war, Switzerland adopted a federal constitution in 1848. The federal constitution was amending extensively in 1874 and establishing federal responsibility for defense, trade, and legal matters, leaving all other matters to the cantonal governments. From then, and over much of the 20th century, continuous political, economic, and social improvement has characterized Swiss history.

One of the oldest democracies in the world, Switzerland, today has 26 cantons. These 26 cantonments maintain broad and autonomous powers. Switzerland follows a federal administration with a federal government led by a seven-member council.

The presidency is rotated among the members for a one-year term. The legislative authority of Switzerland is in Bern. It constitutes of two chambers, the Council of States and the National Council. The Council of States comprises of representatives (Two members each) from the 26 cantons of Switzerland. The National Council comprises of 200 deputies elected directly by the people.