SwitzerlandDémocratie et fédéralisme 42 · Democracy and federalism
What is the difference between an election (élection) and a vote on an issue (votation)?
In the exam (French)
Quelle est la différence entre une élection et une votation ?
- aAn election takes place at the polling station; a vote, only by post.Une élection se fait aux urnes ; une votation, seulement par correspondance.
- bAn election is only federal; a vote, only municipal.Une élection est seulement fédérale ; une votation, seulement communale.
- cAn election chooses people; a vote decides a question, such as a law.Une élection désigne des personnes ; une votation tranche une question, comme une loi.Correct answer
- dNone: the two words mean exactly the same thing.Aucune : les deux mots veulent dire exactement la même chose.
Why?
In an election, voters choose who will hold an office, for example a seat in the National Council (Conseil national). In a vote, they decide on an issue, such as a law or an amendment to the Constitution.
Translated with AI. In the exam the question is in French, as shown above.
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What is a political party's “mot d'ordre” (literally “watchword”)?Correct answer:Its recommendation on how to vote in a vote on an issue
Qu'est-ce que le « mot d'ordre » d'un parti politique ? — Sa recommandation sur la façon de voter lors d'une votation
Démocratie et fédéralisme 44
What was called the “magic formula” (formule magique) from 1959 onwards?Correct answer:A fixed sharing of the seven seats of the Federal Council among the four largest parties
Qu'appelait-on, à partir de 1959, la « formule magique » ? — Une répartition fixe des sept sièges du Conseil fédéral entre les quatre plus grands partis
Démocratie et fédéralisme 45
What does concordance mean in Swiss politics?Correct answer:The major parties govern together and look for compromises.
Que signifie la concordance dans la politique suisse ? — Les grands partis gouvernent ensemble et cherchent des compromis.
Démocratie et fédéralisme 46
Who holds judicial power at federal level?Correct answer:The Federal Supreme Court (Tribunal fédéral)
Qui exerce le pouvoir judiciaire au niveau fédéral ? — Le Tribunal fédéral
Source
Our own practice questions, written in French on the facts of the Federal Constitution and official information from the Confederation and the cantons of Vaud and Geneva. They are not the questions of the cantonal tests, and no text from the official cantonal or communal lists is reused. Each question was written, answered blind and fact-checked in separate rounds. The English translation and the explanations are ours, made with AI help; in the test the questions are asked in French. We are not affiliated with the Confederation, the cantons or the communes.
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