Landsgemeinde
The fresco on the back wall, by Albert Welti and Wilhelm Balmer, depicts a “Landsgemeinde”. This form of open-air citizens’ assembly, which still exists in certain areas, was a precursor of the modern system of direct democracy.
The chandelier
Suspended over the central table, the wrought iron chandelier weighs 1.5 tonnes and has no fewer than 208 bulbs.
The Chamber of the Council of States
Built in a Renaissance style using various old materials (wood, dark marble) and reminiscent of the council rooms that can be seen in cantonal and town offices, the chamber of the Council of States, with its calm atmosphere, is totally different from that of the National Council, which is brighter but at the same time noisier.
The President’s chair
The President chairs the Federal Council’s discussions, prepares the agendas for meetings, runs the Council Office and represents the Council for external business. The President and the two Vice-Presidents form the Presidential College.
The Chamber of the Council of States
The Council of States is the so-called upper chamber. It represents the cantons, in contrast to the National Council – or lower chamber – which represents the people. The Council of States comprises 46 members, each canton having two representatives, except for the former half-cantons which each have one. Members of the Council of States are elected for a period of office of four years. The election procedure is governed by cantonal law. With the exception of the two members for the Jura, who are elected by proportional representation, all members of the Council of States are elected by majority vote.
Votes
In the Council of States votes are taken by a show of hands. The scrutineer and his or her deputy count the hands and send the final tally to the Speaker, who then announces the result to the chamber.
Public gallery
As with the National Council, debates in the Council of States are open to the public. Guests may watch debates from the galleries.
