Subsidiarity
A principle allocating public tasks to the lowest effective level while allowing higher authorities to act when local or private capacity is insufficient.
Subsidiarity guides the distribution of responsibilities between individuals, communities, municipalities, cantons, the Confederation, and international institutions. In Switzerland it resonates with federalism and communal autonomy: decisions should be taken close to those affected when that level can act effectively. Higher levels may intervene to coordinate, protect rights, ensure equality, or address problems exceeding local capacity. Comparatively, subsidiarity also shapes European governance and human rights review, where domestic authorities bear primary responsibility before international bodies intervene.