The National Council consists of 200 members who represent the Swiss people. Each Canton constitutes an electoral constituency and elects at least one member, whatever the size of its population. Subject thereto, seats are allotted in proportion to the resident population of each constituency as set out below. On average, each member represents 35'000 inhabitants.

Council of States

The Council of States has 46 members who represent the Swiss Cantons. Each Canton elects two members and each half-Canton (AI/AR,BL/BS, NW/OW) elects one, regardless of size. Zurich, which has over 1 million inhabitants, elects two representatives as does Uri, which has roughly 36'000 inhabitants.

The election of 40 of the 46 members in the Council of States takes place at the same time as the National Council elections. The election of the members from Zug and Grisons takes place during the year preceding the National Council elections. In Appenzell (Inner Rhodes), the «rural municipality» (historically a meeting of the whole population) proceed to elect such councillors.

Election procedure is determined by cantonal law and varies from Canton to Canton. The Canton of Jura alone uses the proportional system.

Activities