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Federalism, direct democracy and taxation: A theory of Switzerland

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  • Charles B. Blankart

Abstract

Switzerland is often seen as a federalist oddity and singular example of a direct democracy. But Switzerland cannot be understood this way. A new theory of Switzerland is needed, maintains Charles B. Blankart of Humboldt University Berlin. If the initial geographic situation is considered as an exogenous variable of the territory of Switzerland, the development of the country becomes more comprehensible. The institutions of federalism and direct democracy that characterise Switzerland today developed from the fractured geography of the country. Although centralistic tendencies were observable in the 20th century, the regional authorities in Switzerland maintained their autonomy considerably more effectively than in other states. An important role here was played by the direct debt responsibility of the federal alliance, the cantons and the municipalities.

Suggested Citation

  • Charles B. Blankart, 2011. "Federalism, direct democracy and taxation: A theory of Switzerland," ifo Schnelldienst, ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich, vol. 64(12), pages 13-19, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ifosdt:v:64:y:2011:i:12:p:13-19
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Charles B. Blankart & Erik R. Fasten, 2009. "Wer soll für die Schulden im Bundesstaat haften? Eine vernachlässigte Frage der Föderalismusreform II," Perspektiven der Wirtschaftspolitik, Verein für Socialpolitik, vol. 10(1), pages 39-59, February.
    2. Spoerer Mark, 2002. "Wann begannen Fiskal- und Steuerwettbewerb?," Jahrbuch für Wirtschaftsgeschichte / Economic History Yearbook, De Gruyter, vol. 43(2), pages 35-60, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Thomas Straubhaar, 2012. "Does Greater Responsibility for the EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Mean More Stability for Monetary Union?," ifo Schnelldienst, ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich, vol. 65(22), pages 03-06, November.
    2. Martin Baur & Pierre-Alain Bruchez & Barbara Schlaffer, 2013. "Institutions for Crisis Prevention: the Case of Switzerland," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 4, pages 10-21, July.
    3. Alfred Höhn & Thorsten Schramm & Thomas Straubhaar, 2013. "A Model for a Fiscal Union? What Europe Can Learn from the German Experience," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 4, pages 58-65, July.

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