Government
The constitution of the canton was established in 1847; and has, since then, been amended several times. The cantonal government (Council of State) has seven members who are elected for four years.
The legislature, the Grand Council, has 100 seats, with deputies elected for four years at a time. In the most recent election, on 11 October 2009, the classical liberal Liberal Party was the largest party, with 20 seats, followed by the Green Party and the populist Geneva Citizens' Movement, with 17 seats each.
In a similar way to what happens at the Federal level, any change to the Constitution is subject to compulsory referendum. In addition, any law can be subject to a referendum if it is demanded by 7,000 persons entitled to vote, and 10,000 persons may also propose a new law.
Read more about this topic: Canton Of Geneva
Famous quotes containing the word government:
“A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.”
—George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950)
“In using the strong hand, as now compelled to do, the government has a difficult duty to perform. At the very best, it will by turns do both too little and too much. It can properly have no motive of revenge, no purpose to punish merely for punishment’s sake. While we must, by all available means, prevent the overthrow of the government, we should avoid planting and cultivating too many thorns in the bosom of society.”
—Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865)
“In Africa, there is much confusion.... Before, there was no radio, or other forms of communication.... Now, in Africa ... the government talks, people talk, the police talk, the people don’t know anymore. They aren’t free.”
—Youssou N’Dour (b. 1959)