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Dynamic De/Centralization in Switzerland, 1848–2010

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  • Paolo Dardanelli
  • Sean Mueller

Abstract

Part of the project Why Centralization and Decentralization in Federations?, this article studies dynamic de/centralization in Switzerland since 1848 and seeks to account for the patterns observed. It shows that, overall, there has been a wide-ranging process of legislative centralization, whereas the cantons have retained considerable administrative and, especially, fiscal autonomy. The principal instrument of dynamic centralization has been constitutional change, followed by the enactment of framework legislation by the federal government. The process has unfolded primarily through frequent steps of a small magnitude and occurred throughout the 160-year life of the federation. Modernization, market integration, changing patterns of collective identification, and expectations concerning the role of government appear to have played a particularly important causal role. The multilingual and bi-confessional nature of the country has not presented a major obstacle to this centralization dynamic, particularly since World War II, with the French-speaking minority becoming increasingly pro-centralization.

Suggested Citation

  • Paolo Dardanelli & Sean Mueller, 2019. "Dynamic De/Centralization in Switzerland, 1848–2010," Publius: The Journal of Federalism, CSF Associates Inc., vol. 49(1), pages 138-165.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:publus:v:49:y:2019:i:1:p:138-165.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/publius/pjx056
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Charles Blankart, 2000. "The Process of Government Centralization: A Constitutional View," Constitutional Political Economy, Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 27-39, March.
    2. Dietmar Braun, 2009. "Constitutional Change in Switzerland," Publius: The Journal of Federalism, CSF Associates Inc., vol. 39(2), pages 314-340, Spring.
    3. Thomas Döring & Jan Schnellenbach, 2011. "A tale of two federalisms: Germany, the United States and the ubiquity of centralization," Constitutional Political Economy, Springer, vol. 22(1), pages 83-102, March.
    4. Shugart,Matthew Soberg & Carey,John M., 1992. "Presidents and Assemblies," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521429900.
    5. Shugart,Matthew Soberg & Carey,John M., 1992. "Presidents and Assemblies," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521419628.
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