Part 1 The development of the referendum in Switzerland: early direct democracy; the rise of the referendum - revolution, restoration, and regeneration; 1847-1891 - the dawn of the federal referendum; 1891-1945 - direct democracy on the road to consensual politics; direct democracy in the postwar period; the mechanisms of direct democracy today; an historical overview; is Switzerland sui generis?. Part 2 The theoretical role of the referendum: direct versus representative democracy; consensual versus majoritarian democracy; central issues in the referendum debate. Part 3 Trends in the exercise of direct democracy: participation levels; referendum outcomes. Part 5 The rise and impact of the initiative: the postwar surge of initiatives; explaining the increase; success at the polls; the initiative as a bargaining chip; other uses of initiatives; general observations. Part 5 Parties, interest groups, and the expression of opinion: the effect of the referendum upon Swiss parties; the effect of the referendum upon Swiss interest groups; the initiative entrepeneur; consultation and corporatism; the exploitation of apathy. Part 6 The legislative process in the shadow of the referendum: the legislative process in Switzerland; the impact of direct democracy upon legislative functions; the impact of direct democracy upon parliamentary behaviour; general effects of the referendum upon the Swiss legislature. Part 7 Case studies: the referendum on Swiss entry into the United Nations; observations; the initiative to abolish the army; observations. Part 8 A comparative perspective: Australia; Italy; California; general observations; improving the device.
