This article examines federal dynamics during times of crisis in a decentralized federation, taking Switzerland as an example. Based on qualitative research, we analyse how the relationship between the federal government and the cantons evolved since the 2008/09 demand crisis. Following common...

The article presents a case of successful constitutional change in Switzerland, the “re-assignment of responsibilities between the federal government and the cantons and the new fiscal equalization scheme,” which was adopted in 2004 by referendum. By starting from the general assumption that...