The tasks
The Federal Council is the highest executive authority in the country. It comprises seven members, who are elected by the Federal Assembly. The Federal Council’s tasks are set out in the Federal Constitution.
Governing
The main task of the Federal Council is to govern. It continuously assesses the political situation, determines the objectives of state governance and the means of achieving them, manages their realisation and represents the Confederation both at home and abroad.
Decision-making
Dispatches and reports to parliament, answers to parliamentary questions, amendments to ordinances, expenditure, elections: the Federal Council has countless decisions to take at its meetings. Three principles are key: preparation, collegiality, consensus.
Informing
Federal Council meetings are not open to the public. However, the Federal Council informs the cantons, parliament and the public in detail about its decisions and projects.
Leading
Federal councillors have a dual function. They are members of the government and thus share responsibility for its activities. And they also head a department and represent its affairs and concerns in the Federal Council.
Looking ahead
Strategic planning and situation assessment are very important to the Federal Council. It also checks whether tasks are being fulfilled and objectives achieved.