ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book seeks to bring together the different perspectives on Swiss federalism. There are different vertical and horizontal institutions of Swiss federalism, which implement core federal principles in the Federal Constitution. Task-sharing between the Federation and the cantons–or, even more generally, vertical relations as such–are based not only on constitutional principles and federal institutions, but also on cultural norms or shared understanding. The book deals with various factors that have contributed to the success of the landmark National Fiscal Equalization and Task-Sharing between the Federation and the cantons (NFA) reform. The cooperative partnership approach to bargaining was necessary to realize win-win situations. In this very context of successful multicultural federalism, Swiss federalism and its recent changes raise a series of questions for wider research on federalism.
