The Promise and Perils of Direct Democracy: Examples from Switzerland and California | Civic Center

Submitted by the Event Organizer

In 1911, the state of California adopted a system of direct democracy that its authors based on the Swiss system. A century later, Swiss initiative and referendum is considered a crucial part of that country’s formula for efficient, consensus-based government. In California, however, initiative and referendum are considered leading culprits in turning the Golden State into a chaotic, ungovernable mess.

What happened?

UC Hastings College of the Law, the Swiss Confederation and the 2010 Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy invite you to a fascinating and fun panel discussion comparing the two places in the world – California and Switzerland – that have used direct democracy most.

We’ll examine specific examples in Switzerland, including the recent vote to ban minarets, and from California, including Prop 8, as we seek to answer key questions. How have the similar systems of direct democracy grown and changed over the years? What are the relative strengths and merits of each system? What might California learn from the Swiss model?

Please join an international panel, including two visiting Swiss experts.

Lunch will be provided.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.