Separation of powers

Separation of powers is a structural principle of constitutional government. It assigns law-making, administration and adjudication to distinct institutions, while recognising that modern states often require cooperation and partial overlap. In Switzerland, the principle operates within a collegial executive, a bicameral parliament, independent courts and a federal distribution of competences. It is reinforced by legality, judicial independence, parliamentary oversight, direct democratic rights and federalism. The Swiss model is not a strict presidential separation; it relies on institutional balance and mutual accountability. The principle protects individual liberty and democratic legitimacy by ensuring that no single authority controls the creation, execution and interpretation of law without checks.