Landsgemeinden

Swiss government

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June 30, 2026

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The Landsgemeinde is a form of direct democracy historically practiced in some Swiss cantons. It is an assembly where all eligible citizens gather annually to make key decisions, including legislation and taxation. This tradition emphasizes citizen participation and collective decision-making.12

While historically more widespread, the Landsgemeinde is now maintained in only two cantons: Appenzell Inner-Rhoden and Glarus. In other Swiss cantons, governance is carried out by elected representatives in legislative councils. Switzerland's federal structure grants significant autonomy to its 26 cantons, each with its own constitution and assembly, with powers not explicitly delegated to the federal government.21

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canton
…their ancient democratic assemblies (Landsgemeinden), in which all citizens of full age meet annually for the purpose of legislation, taxation, and the election of an annual administrative council and of the members of the cantonal supreme court. In the remaining cantons the legislature (Kantonsrat, Grosser Rat, or Grand Conseil)…
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…their ancient democratic assemblies (Landsgemeinden), in which all citizens of full age meet annually for the purpose of legislation, taxation, and the election of an annual administrative council and of the members of the cantonal supreme court. In the remaining cantons the legislature (Kantonsrat, Grosser Rat, or Grand Conseil)…
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Appenzell
…and the meeting of the Landsgemeinde (or open-air cantonal “parliament”—actually a cantonal legislative meeting of all concerned citizens, a nearly unique manifestation of “pure democracy”). Pastoral occupations, embroidery, and the manufacture of textiles are the principal economic activities. The population is German speaking and Roman Catholic. Pop. (2007 est.) 5,706.
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…and the meeting of the Landsgemeinde (or open-air cantonal “parliament”—actually a cantonal legislative meeting of all concerned citizens, a nearly unique manifestation of “pure democracy”). Pastoral occupations, embroidery, and the manufacture of textiles are the principal economic activities. The population is German speaking and Roman Catholic. Pop. (2007 est.) 5,706.
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