In Swiss history, the Helvetic Republic (1798–1803) represented an early attempt to impose a central authority over Switzerland, which until then consisted mainly of self-governing cantons united by a loose military alliance, and conquered territories such as Vaud. Its name was taken from the Helvetian people.
A constitutional arrangement imposed by French military might, the Republic existed as a state for only five years but failed to achieve widespread popular support among its citizens. However, some aspects of it have survived into present-day Switzerland.
Read more about Helvetic Republic: History, Constitution, Legacy, Administrative Divisions, Predecessor States
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“Our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here, the people rule.”
—Gerald R. Ford (b. 1913)