Cantonal autonomy

Cantonal autonomy is a defining feature of Swiss federalism. Cantons have their own constitutions, parliaments, governments, courts, and regulatory powers, and they remain responsible for many policy areas such as education, policing, health implementation, and taxation within federal limits. Their autonomy includes political, legislative, administrative, and financial dimensions. It is not absolute: cantonal law must respect federal law, fundamental rights, democratic requirements, and Switzerland’s international obligations. The balance between cantonal diversity and national coherence is central to Swiss public law.