Sunday, May 31, 2015

Direct democracy Swiss style...

Landsgemeinde, or assembly, of the Canton of Glarus, on 7 May 2006, Switzerland.
Eligible citizens of the canton meet on a certain day in the open air to decide on laws and expenditures by the council. Everyone can debate a question. Voting is accomplished by those in favour of a motion raising their hands. Historically, or in Appenzell until the admission of women, the only proof of citizenship necessary for men to enter the voting area was to show their ceremonial sword or Swiss military sidearm (bayonet), this gave proof that you were a freeman allowed to bear arms and to vote.

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