There are two types of referendum:
- mandatory referendum
- facultative referendum
Mandatory referendum
If laws amend the constitution, they must be confirmed in a referendum. Accession to security organisations (e.g. NATO) or supranational communities (e.g. EU) is also subject to an obligatory referendum. The same applies to urgent federal laws without a constitutional basis. For a bill to be adopted, it requires the popular majority (majority of the population) and the majority of the cantons.
Optional referendum
An optional referendum can be called against new laws, changes to laws or decrees. To do this, 50,000 valid signatures must be collected within 100 days of publication.
Cantonal referendum
In addition to the population, the cantons can also call a referendum. To do this, at least 8 cantons must vote in favour of a referendum.