Division of competences

In a federal state, division of competences determines which level may legislate, implement policy, finance tasks and supervise execution. Swiss constitutional law combines federal powers, cantonal residual sovereignty and important communal roles defined mainly by cantonal law. Competences may be exclusive, concurrent, framework-setting or merely supportive, and execution is often delegated to cantons even where federal law sets standards. Disputes concern pre-emption, autonomy, funding, coordination and whether a measure exceeds the assigned power. Clear allocation supports democracy, accountability and effective public administration.