Direct democracy in Switzerland is an extremely challenging task, and requires the country’s inhabitants to debate the relevant issues intensively and in a factually sound manner.
It is also necessary for people to be well informed about aspects of Switzerland’s institutions, respect the democratic structure of our federalist country, and be able to historically contextualise the proposals on which they are asked to vote. All of this requires good civic knowledge and a broad knowledge of Swiss history; this learning should start in primary school and be continued at secondary level II, with references to current issues.
However, active participation in direct democracy isn’t simply about learning individual skills; it requires the whole individual to be willing to participate and to actively help shape society in the interests of the common good.
From a great article about the history of Direct Democracy in Switzerland by René Roca a PhD in history, a secondary school teacher and Director of the Research Institute for Direct Democracy. Click the link to read more:
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