Six referendums were held in
Switzerland
). Swiss law does not designate a ''capital'' as such, but the federal parliament and government are installed in Bern, while other federal institutions, such as the federal courts, are in other cities (Bellinzona, Lausanne, Luzern, Neuchâtel ...
during 1938.
[ Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) ''Elections in Europe: A data handbook'', pp1911–1912 ] The first four were held on 20 February; the first on amending articles 107 and 116 of the constitution to make
Romansch an official language, which was approved by over 90% of voters and all cantons.
[ The second was on a ]popular initiative
In political science, an initiative (also known as a popular initiative or citizens' initiative) is a means by which a petition signed by a certain number of registered voters can force a government to choose either to enact a law or hold a pu ...
"on urgent federal resolutions and the protection of people's rights" and was rejected by 85% of voters.[ The third was on a ]popular initiative
In political science, an initiative (also known as a popular initiative or citizens' initiative) is a means by which a petition signed by a certain number of registered voters can force a government to choose either to enact a law or hold a pu ...
on the private arms industry, and was also rejected by a wide margin, whilst the fourth was on a counter-proposal to the arms industry question, and was approved by voters.[ The fifth referendum was held on 3 July on the penal code, and was approved.][ The sixth and final referendum of the year was held on 27 November on a federal resolution on the transient order of the federal budget, and was approved by 72% of voters.][
]
Background
The referendums on making Romansch an official language and the federal budget were both "obligatory" referendums,[ requiring a double majority; a majority of the popular vote and majority of the cantons.][Nohlen & Stöver, p1891] The decision of each canton was based on the vote in that canton.[ Full cantons counted as one vote, whilst half cantons counted as half.][ The ]popular initiative
In political science, an initiative (also known as a popular initiative or citizens' initiative) is a means by which a petition signed by a certain number of registered voters can force a government to choose either to enact a law or hold a pu ...
s on federal resolutions and the arms industry also required a double majority, as did the counter proposal to the arms industry question.[ The referendum on the penal code was an "]optional referendum
The optional referendum is a referendum which comes from a request by governmental authorities or the public. The best known types of optional referendums is the popular initiative
In political science, an initiative (also known as a popul ...
",[ which required only a majority of voters in favour.
]
Results
February: Romansch as an official language
February:
popular initiative
In political science, an initiative (also known as a popular initiative or citizens' initiative) is a means by which a petition signed by a certain number of registered voters can force a government to choose either to enact a law or hold a pu ...
on federal resolutions
February:
popular initiative
In political science, an initiative (also known as a popular initiative or citizens' initiative) is a means by which a petition signed by a certain number of registered voters can force a government to choose either to enact a law or hold a pu ...
on the private arms industry
February: Counter-proposal on the private arms industry
July: Penal code
November: Federal budget
References
{{Portal bar, Politics, Switzerland
1938 referendums
1938 in Switzerland
Referendums in Switzerland