The Swiss System of Direct Democracy and How It Compares to the U.S.

The Swiss System of Direct Democracy and How It Compares to the U.S.

Corina Casanova, Federal Chancellor, Switzerland

Switzerland has one of the most extensive systems of democratic rights in the world. Chancellor Casanova will compare the Swiss and U.S. constitutions, elaborating on commonalities and differences, particularly with regard to state institutions, direct democracy, people's rights and federalism. Casanova was a delegate for the International Committee of the Red Cross in South Africa, Angola, Nicaragua and El Salvador. She has held the office of federal chancellor since January 2008 following her election by the Swiss parliament in December 2007.

This program was recorded in front of a live audience at The Commonwealth Club in San Francisco on October 6, 2010