Контроль читання 11 клас

In most democratic countries, ordinary citizens exercise their legislative power through their representatives. (1)___ Such a system is often referred to as indirect democracy. The situation is quite different in Switzerland, which takes advantage of a system of direct democracy. Although parliamentary elections are held every four years, the Swiss get the chance to vote on particular issues several times a year.

They might be asked to express their opinion on issues at a federal level. (2)___ But also quite often, they decide on issues which are relevant only for their own canton or even their local community. examples of such local votes could be the anti-hooligan measures accepted by Zurich, or the decision by the people of Graubünden to reject the organisation of the 2022 Winter Olympics.

What is more, the Swiss can also come up with their own proposals for new legislation. This is known as a ‘people’s initiative’. Supporters of the new law need to gather a hundred thousand signatures in favour of their proposal. (3)___ A similar procedure is applied when Swiss citizens want to veto a new bill already passed by the parliament. The only difference is that the opponents need 50,000 signatures to call a referendum. If a majority of voters decide to reject the new law, it is simply cancelled.

Despite the advantages, the direct system of democracy does have its critics. (4)___ Others point out that the general public should not have a say on issues which are very complex. Yet, this criticism does not stop the Swiss from being very proud of their unique democracy.