Thus, while the rest of Europe saw revolutionary uprisings, the Swiss drew up a constitution which provided for a federal layout, much of it inspired by the American example. This constitution provided for a central authority while leaving the cantons the right to self-government on local issues. Giving credit to those who favoured the power of the cantons (the Sonderbund Kantone), the national assembly was divided between an upper house (the Council of States, two representatives per canton) and a lower house (the National Council, with representatives elected from across the country). Referenda were made mandatory for any amendment of this constitution. COUNT 5
QSN1 What example inspired much of a new Swiss constitution providing for a federal layout? ANS1 American QSN2 Under the new Swiss constitution, what did the cantons have the right to self-govern? ANS2 local issues QSN3 How many houses was the Swiss national assembly divided into? ANS3 two QSN4 What was the name of the upper house, which included 2 representatives from each canton? ANS4 Council of States QSN5 What was the name of the lower house, whose representatives were elected throughout the country? ANS5 National Council