Basel-Stadt Naturalization Test key terms

Switzerland's supreme legal document, revised in 1999, setting out federal powers, cantonal sovereignty, and the fundamental rights of everyone living in the country. All cantonal and federal laws must conform to it.

The principle that Switzerland is built from 26 sovereign cantons that keep all powers not explicitly granted to the Confederation. Cantons run schools, police, health, welfare and taxes, which is why Basel-Stadt rules differ from other cantons.

The separation of state power into legislature, executive and judiciary, so no single body both makes and applies the law. In Basel-Stadt this means Grosser Rat, Regierungsrat and the courts each act independently within their own competence.

The double majority rule: a federal referendum passes only if both a majority of voters and a majority of cantons agree. Six cantons count as half-cantons, including Basel-Stadt, so its yes counts as half a canton vote.

Constitutionally guaranteed rights such as freedom of expression, religion, assembly, personal liberty and equal treatment. They bind all state bodies and apply to every person in Switzerland, not only to Swiss citizens.

A citizens' proposal to change the Federal Constitution. Supporters must collect 100,000 valid signatures within 18 months; the vote is normally combined with a counter-proposal from parliament. Cantonal initiatives in Basel-Stadt need fewer signatures.

A popular vote on a law already passed by parliament. A mandatory referendum applies to constitutional changes and certain treaties; an optional referendum is triggered when 50,000 signatures are gathered within 100 days against a federal law.

The binding ballot in which eligible voters decide an issue directly, usually three or four times a year in Switzerland. Voting is voluntary; turnout in Basel-Stadt is often below half of those entitled to vote.

The right to vote and stand for election. At federal level this requires Swiss citizenship, age 18 and not being under a permanent guardianship order; Basel-Stadt also lets resident foreigners vote in some communal matters.

The process of acquiring Swiss citizenship. It requires a residence permit, usually ten years' residence in Switzerland with several years in the same canton, language and integration criteria, and approvals from commune, canton and federal authorities.

The permanent residence permit for foreign nationals, granted after a set number of years and usually required before applying for ordinary naturalisation. It allows unlimited residence and unrestricted access to the labour market.

The parliament of Canton Basel-Stadt, with 100 members elected every four years by proportional representation. It passes cantonal laws, approves the budget and supervises the Regierungsrat and the administration.

Basel-Stadt's seven-member cantonal government, elected directly by the voters for four years. It heads the administration, prepares legislation for the Grosser Rat and represents the canton externally and in federal matters.

The constitution of Canton Basel-Stadt, which organises the canton's political institutions, communes and rights. It ranks below the Federal Constitution but above ordinary cantonal laws and regulations.

The basic local unit of Swiss public life. Basel-Stadt has three communes: Basel, Riehen and Bettingen. They run local services such as schools, social assistance and waste collection, and have their own elected councils.

The protected right of communes to manage their own local affairs within cantonal law. It lets Riehen and Bettingen, for example, set local taxes and run their own institutions, while the canton retains supervisory oversight.

The administrative court of Basel-Stadt, which reviews decisions of cantonal and communal authorities on permits, taxes, construction and social insurance. It is one of the canton's independent courts, separate from the civil and criminal courts.

The river that defines Basel's geography and identity, flowing through the city from east to west and dividing Grossbasel from Kleinbasel. It is a working waterway, a drinking-water source and a popular place for swimming and riverside walks.

The two halves of the city of Basel, separated by the Rhine and linked by bridges and ferries. Grossbasel holds the old town, cathedral and university; Kleinbasel lies on the right bank and has its own character and quarters.

Basel's three-day carnival, starting at four in the morning after Ash Wednesday, with masked Cliques, drum and piccolo bands, lanterns and Morgenstreich. It is inscribed on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list and is central to local identity.

The local Alemannic dialect of German spoken in Basel and still widely used in everyday life, radio and carnival. Standard German is used in schools and official documents, while dialect carries strong social and regional identity.

The two smaller communes of Canton Basel-Stadt, both on the right bank of the Rhine bordering Germany. Riehen is a town of around 21,000 people with its own parliament; Bettingen is a small village on the hill above it.

The body of law defining offences and their penalties, codified federally in the Swiss Criminal Code. Cantons like Basel-Stadt are responsible for prosecuting and trying crimes through their police, prosecutors and courts.

Private law governing relations between individuals, such as contracts, property, family and inheritance, codified in the Swiss Civil Code and Code of Obligations. Disputes go to cantonal civil courts, with mediation often required first.

The principle that the state acts only through law, that authorities must give reasons for decisions, and that courts can review them. It protects residents against arbitrary action and underpins rights such as access to a fair hearing.

Switzerland's state old-age and survivors' insurance, plus disability insurance, financed by payroll contributions and VAT. It pays a monthly pension after retirement age and is the first pillar of the three-pillar pension system.

Mandatory health insurance for everyone resident in Switzerland, bought from private insurers but regulated by federal law. It covers medical treatment, hospital care and medicines, with premiums paid by residents and subsidies for low incomes.

Means-tested financial support for people who cannot cover basic living costs, organised by the commune of residence under cantonal rules. In Basel-Stadt it covers rent, health insurance, food and personal needs, and can be combined with integration measures.

Unemployment insurance funded by payroll contributions, paying a percentage of previous earnings for a limited period to people who lose their job. Claimants must register with the regional employment centre and show they are actively job-seeking.

Compulsory payments to the state. Switzerland levies federal, cantonal and communal taxes; Basel-Stadt collects income and wealth taxes for the canton and communes, plus property gains and poll taxes, mostly through annual declarations.

A federal consumption tax added to the price of most goods and services, with a standard rate and reduced rates for everyday items. It is one of the Confederation's main revenue sources and is not set by the canton.

Switzerland's approach of managing relations with the EU through a package of bilateral agreements rather than membership. The agreements cover market access, movement of persons, research and transport, and are managed by the Federal Council.

Switzerland's long-standing policy of not joining military alliances or taking part in wars between other states. It is a political principle, not a constitutional right, and does not prevent membership of the UN or participation in sanctions.

The global organisation of states; Switzerland joined in 2002 after a popular vote. Geneva hosts major UN bodies, and Switzerland has served as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, while remaining outside military alliances.

Basel-Stadt's cantonal education system, covering kindergarten, six years of primary school, and a secondary level split into Gymnasium, Fachmittelschule and vocational training. Schooling is free and compulsory for about eleven years.

Switzerland's dual vocational training, combining a three- or four-year apprenticeship in a company with part-time vocational school. It is a common route to a skilled qualification and often leads on to higher vocational or university study.

The cantonal framework for vocational education and training, including apprenticeship contracts, oversight of training companies and vocational schools. In Basel-Stadt the canton shares responsibility with employers' associations and the federal government.