1. État, peuple, "Authorities" 10. Constitution and Other Fundamental Acts

1 The Jura Republic is a democratic and social state founded on fraternity.

2 It constitutes a sovereign canton of the Swiss Confederation.

The Constituent Assembly decrees the simultaneous or successive entry into force of the provisions of the present Constitution.

**Sovereignty**

Sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it directly or through their representatives.

The Jura Constitution replaces that of the Canton of Bern within the territory of the Republic and Canton of Jura.

French is the national and official language of the Republic and Canton of Jura.

1 Legislation of the Canton of Bern is accepted as it stands on the day preceding the entry into force of the Constitution, insofar as it is not contrary to the Constitution and provided that it has not been amended in accordance with a law drafted by the Constituent Assembly and adopted by the electorate.

2 The legislation becomes that of the Republic and Canton of Jura and will remain so until it has been modified in the manner prescribed by the Constitution.

1 The Republic and Canton of Jura collaborates with the other cantons of the Swiss Confederation.

2 It strives to ensure close cooperation with its neighbors.

3 It is open to the world and cooperates with peoples concerned with solidarity.

1 The Constituent Assembly acts as the parliament until the day the Jura parliament is constituted.

2 It exercises its powers, with the exception of those provided for in Article 84, letter a, of the Constitution.

The Coat of Arms of the Republic and Canton of Jura are as follows

"Parted per pale argent a bishop's crosier gules and gules three bars argent."

1 The Bureau of the Constituent Assembly acts as the government until the day the Jura government is established.

2 It exercises the powers, except for those provided in Article 92, letter a, of the Constitution.

3 The Constituent Assembly defines the tasks of the Bureau.

1 Men and women are equal in rights.

2 No one shall suffer prejudice or gain advantage due to their birth, origin, race, beliefs, opinions, or social status.

1 …

2 Parliament shall convene on the third Monday after its election, and the Government on the following day.

3 Disputes regarding the exercise of political rights, the organization of elections, and the determination of results are adjudicated by a commission of the Constituent Assembly established for this purpose.

1 Human dignity is inviolable.

2 Every human being has the right to free development of his or her personality and to equal opportunities.

Members of the Council of States are elected for a term that ends at the same time as the legislative period of the National Council.

Individual liberty is guaranteed.

The following are specifically included

a) the right to life and physical and moral integrity;

b) the right to respect for private and family life and home;

c) the right to marry and to have a family life;

d) the right to raise and educate one's children;

e) the freedom of thought, conscience, and religion;

f) the freedom to hold, express, and disseminate opinions, particularly freedom of the press;

g) the freedom of association, assembly, and public demonstration;

h) the freedom to study and teach;

i) the freedom of art and research;

j) the freedom to choose and practice a profession;

k) the freedom of trade and industry;

l) the freedom of establishment;

m) the freedom to access public office.

In derogation of Article 62, paragraph 5, of the Constitution, no member of the Government may sit in the Federal Assembly within eight years following the election of the first Government.

1 No one may be removed from their natural judge.

2 Every party must be heard before a decision is made on their case.

3 Everyone has the right to consult the file of their case, except in cases provided by law.

4 Parties lacking the necessary resources have the right to free legal assistance according to the law.

1 The law facilitates the granting of Jura citizenship to the Confederates established on June 23, 1974, in the territory of the new canton.

2 The legal provisions shall remain in force for no more than five years.

1 All pending cases before the administrative and judicial authorities of the Canton of Bern are transferred to the competent authorities of the Republic and Canton of Jura when these authorities are established.

2 The Bureau of the Constitutional Assembly, and subsequently the Government, may enter into agreements with the Canton of Bern for some pending cases to be concluded before the Bernese authorities, subject to the consent of the persons concerned.

Censorship is prohibited.

1 The Government determines the entry into force of the present amendment.

2 The law may provide for a transitional period for the implementation of the new judicial organization.

3 For the period from the entry into force of the present amendment until 2002, Parliament shall elect the judges of the Court of First Instance and the investigating judges.

4 Until the entry into force of the amendment to the judicial organization law, the Government may establish the necessary provisions by ordinance.

1. Property, recognized in its private function and its social function, is guaranteed within the limits of the law.

2. Expropriation entitles one to fair compensation, preferably in advance.

3. In a prevailing public interest, the State takes measures to prevent the abusive exercise of property, particularly regarding land, housing, and significant means of production.

4. The State promotes the farmers' access to rural land ownership.

5. The law may grant a right of preemption to the State and to municipalities when a prevailing public interest requires it.

The Government establishes the commencement of the present amendment.

Fundamental rights may only be restricted by law and solely to the extent of an overriding public interest.

The Government sets the effective date of this amendment.

1 Every public authority is limited by fundamental rights.

2 Everyone exercises their fundamental rights while respecting those of others.

1 The Government sets the effective date of the present amendment.

2 Deputies, members of the Government, judges, prosecutors, and members of district and municipal authorities who are elected prior to the effective date of the present amendment shall remain in their positions until the end of the four-year term for which they were elected.

3 If they are elected during a four-year legislative term as referred to in paragraph 2, but after the effective date of the present amendment, they shall serve only until the end of that legislative term.

4 From the effective date of the present amendment, members of the Government are eligible for re-election only twice, with elections and re-elections that occurred prior to the effective date of the present amendment being counted.

Everyone is obligated to fulfill their legal duties to the State and the municipalities.

1 During the years 2026 to 2031, exceptions may be made to paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 123a to neutralize the effects of the incorporation of the municipality of Moutier into the canton of Jura. The law regulates the procedures.

2 The total amounts neutralized in the calculation of the debt brake mechanism pursuant to paragraph 1 must be compensated.

1 The law regulates the conditions and procedure for acquiring cantonal and communal citizenship.

2 Communal citizenship forms the basis for cantonal citizenship.

1 The State protects and supports the family, the natural and fundamental unit of society.

2 It strengthens its role within the community.

1 The State and the municipalities promote general welfare and social security.

2 They specifically protect individuals who need assistance due to their age, health, and economic or social situation.

3 They encourage the integration of migrants into the Jura social environment.

1 The right to work is recognized.

2 With the cooperation of the municipalities, the State strives to promote full employment.

3 Every worker has the right to a wage that ensures them a decent standard of living.

4 The State encourages professional retraining.

5 It promotes the economic and social integration of persons with disabilities.

To ensure the protection of workers, the State

a) organizes compulsory unemployment insurance;

b) establishes occupational health services;

c) legislates on working conditions;

d) promotes workers' participation within companies;

e) protects workers and their representatives in the exercise of their rights;

f) ensures the application of the principle "equal pay for equal work";

g) recognizes the right to strike; the law determines the public services where it may be regulated.

The State establishes a cantonal conciliation and arbitration body responsible for intervening in social conflicts.

1 The right to housing is recognized.

2 The State and the municipalities ensure that every person obtains appropriate housing under reasonable conditions.

3 They take measures to protect tenants against abuse.

1 The State and the municipalities may supplement the insurances and social benefits provided by the Confederation and may create additional ones.

2 The State generalizes family allowances.

3 For the financing of insurances and social benefits, the law is inspired by the principle of solidarity.

Social assistance is the responsibility of the State and the municipalities.

1 The State and the municipalities ensure public hygiene and health.

2 They promote preventive medicine and encourage activities aimed at providing care for the sick and disabled.

3 The State regulates and supervises the practice of medical and paramedical professions.

1 The State organizes and coordinates the entire hospital system and related medical services.

2 It provides for their maintenance.

3 It entrusts their management to a public law institution.

The State promotes home care.

The State organizes public health policing.

1 Insurance in cases of illness, accident, and maternity is mandatory.

2 The State encourages the coverage of dental care costs by health insurance.

The State encourages the general practice of sports.

1 The State establishes the Public Health Council.

2 The law regulates its composition, functioning, and powers.

1 The school has the mission of ensuring the full development of children.

2 It shares, jointly with the family, the responsibility for their education and instruction.

3 It shapes individuals who are free, aware of their responsibilities, and capable of taking charge of their own destiny.

**The School is Compulsory.**

1 The State organizes and controls the public school.

2 Access to preschool is guaranteed.

3 Education is free of charge.

4 The public school respects freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

1. Preschool and compulsory education fall under the responsibility of the State and the municipalities.

2. High schools, vocational schools, trade schools, and business schools fall under the jurisdiction of the State.

3. In certain cases, vocational training can be entrusted to private institutions.

4. The State is responsible for the initial and ongoing training of the teaching staff.

The State maintains or encourages specialized institutions in which individuals with disabilities receive training adapted to their condition.

The State creates, if necessary through agreements, the possibility of acquiring certain trainings that are not offered in the Canton.

1 The right to establish private schools is guaranteed within the limits of the law.

2 The State supports private schools under conditions set by the law.

All schools are placed under the supervision of the State.

1 The right to education is recognized.

2 The State and the municipalities facilitate attendance at schools and universities, as well as vocational training in general.

1 The State establishes the School Council.

2 The law regulates its composition, functioning, and powers.

1 The State and the communes support cultural activities in the fields of creation, research, animation, and dissemination.

2 They ensure and contribute to the conservation, enrichment, and promotion of the Jura heritage, notably of the patois.

3 They promote the illustration of the French language.

**The State and the municipalities encourage adult education.**

The State establishes the Office for Women's Status, whose tasks are notably

a) to improve the status of women;

b) to promote women's access to all levels of responsibility;

c) to eliminate discrimination against them.

1 The State and the municipalities ensure a balance between the preservation of the natural environment and the demands of economic and social life.

2 In the performance of their duties, they respect the principles of sustainable development and take into account the interests of future generations.

1 The State and the municipalities protect people and their natural environment against nuisances; they specifically combat air, soil, and water pollution, as well as noise.

2 They preserve the beauty and uniqueness of the landscapes, as well as the natural and architectural heritage.

3 The State protects the fauna and flora, notably the forest.

4 It regulates the practice of hunting and fishing.

**1** The State and the municipalities ensure the judicious use of land and the rational occupation of the territory.

**2** They safeguard the forest area and the agricultural area, where forestry and agriculture remain priority, as much as possible.

**3** They reserve the necessary spaces for the development of the economy and communication routes.

**4** They strive to make places particularly favorable for health and leisure available for common use.

**5** They consider the opinions of the affected populations.

1 The State encourages the economic development of the Canton; it takes into account the needs of the regions and ensures the diversification of activities.

2 For this purpose, it may create services and support institutions, including a consultative Economic and Social Council and an Office of Economic Development.

The State legislates on matters of construction and roads.

The State promotes public transportation.

**The State Controls the Exploitation of Natural Resources**

The State controls the exploitation of natural resources.

The State defines an agricultural policy.

The State considers the interests of consumers.

The State encourages humanitarian aid and cooperates in the development of disadvantaged peoples.

The State and the municipalities ensure public order, safety, and tranquility.

The legislative, executive, and judicial powers are separated.

1 Every act of authority must be based on the principles of law and good faith.

2 It must be appropriate to its purpose.

The State and the municipalities are liable for the damage that authorities and officials cause, unlawfully, in the exercise of their functions.

Laws cannot have retroactive effect if they impose new charges or obligations on individuals or municipalities.

1 The People, the Parliament, and the Government may delegate their competences pursuant to the law.

2 In the case of the People and the Parliament, the law limits the subject of each delegation and specifies its purpose and scope.

The law provides that powers deviating from the Constitution may, in the event of war or disaster, be temporarily conferred upon the Parliament or the Government.

1. The State organizes a legal information service that is, in principle, free of charge.

2. It may establish an independent mediation body for administrative matters.

1 No one may simultaneously hold any two of the following positions: Member of Parliament, Member of the Government, Permanent Judge, Prosecutor.

2 Members of the Government may not belong to a district or municipal authority.

3 Permanent Judges may not be part of a municipal authority or another district authority.

4 The mandate of a federal parliamentarian is incompatible with the following positions: Member of the cantonal parliament, Permanent Judge, Prosecutor, and Member of the Government.

5 ...

6 The law shall regulate cases of incompatibility concerning non-permanent judges and public officials.

The law regulates the incompatibilities of functions between relatives and in-laws.

The position of a member of the Government or a permanent judge is incompatible with any other paid activity.

1 The deputies, the members of the Government, the judges, the prosecutors, and the members of the district and municipal authorities are elected for five years.

2 The presidents and vice-presidents of the Parliament, the Government, and the Cantonal Court are elected for one year.

3 Any person elected during the term serves their mandate until the end of that period.

1 Members of the Council of States and members of Parliament may only be re-elected twice consecutively.

2 Members of the Government may only be re-elected twice.

3 The presidents and vice-presidents of Parliament, the Government, and the Cantonal Court are not immediately eligible for re-election in the same position.

4 Members of other state and district authorities may be freely re-elected.

1 The law may provide for the removal of members of the Government, judicial authorities, and municipal councils in cases of serious misconduct or permanent incapacity to perform their duties. It regulates the procedure and conditions for such removal.

2 The law may provide for the dissolution of the Government in the event of the resignation of a majority of its members following a removal procedure targeting one of them. It regulates the procedure and conditions for such dissolution.

The debates of the Parliament and the general councils are public.

1 The cantonal and municipal authorities inform the people about their activities.

2 They publish important projects in a manner that allows for public discussion.

1 The Parliament and the Government have their seat in Delémont.

2 The Cantonal Court and the Court of First Instance have their seat in Porrentruy.

3 The cantonal administration is decentralized.

1 Voters in cantonal matters are all men and women possessing Swiss citizenship, who are at least eighteen years old and domiciled in the Canton.

2 ...

3 Voters in communal matters are all men and women possessing Swiss citizenship, who are at least eighteen years old and domiciled in the commune.

4 The law governs the cases in which a voter is deprived of their political rights.

Every voter has the right to

a) participate in elections and popular votes;

b) be elected to a public office under the conditions prescribed by the Constitution and the law;

c) sign initiatives and referendums.

Law Regulates the Political Rights of Jurassians Established Outside the Canton

The law defines and regulates the right to vote and other political rights of foreigners.

1 The voters of the Canton elect

a) the deputies to the Parliament and their substitutes;

b) the members of the Government;

c) the deputies to the Council of States.

2 …

3 The voters of the commune elect

a) the general councilors;

b) the mayor and the municipal councilors;

c) the members of other municipal bodies if prescribed by law or municipal regulation.

4 Popular elections are conducted by secret ballot.

5 The deputies to the Council of States, the deputies to the Parliament, and the members of the general councils are elected by proportional representation.

6 The members of the Government and the mayors are elected by majority vote.

1. Two thousand voters or five municipalities may request, through a popular initiative framed in general terms or drafted in full detail, the adoption, amendment, or repeal of constitutional provisions or laws.

2. Five thousand voters may request, in general terms, that the Parliament exercise the State's right of initiative in federal matters.

3. The initiative must comply with superior law, concern only a single field and not be impossible to implement, otherwise the Parliament shall dismiss it on grounds of nullity.

4. The initiative may be withdrawn under conditions set by law.

1 The Parliament decides whether the provisions it adopts or amends in response to a general initiative are to be included in the Constitution or in the law.

2 If the Parliament decides not to pursue a valid initiative or does not address it within a period of two years, it is submitted to a popular vote.

3 The Parliament may propose a counter-proposal to any initiative.

4 If the people accept an initiative conceived in general terms, the Parliament must fulfill it within a period of two years.

5 If the people accept both the initiative and the counter-proposal, the project which receives the most votes is adopted.

Subject to popular vote are

a) the principle of a total revision of the Constitution and, simultaneously, the constitutional amendment regulating its procedures;

b) the constitutional provisions;

c) the initiatives to which Parliament does not give follow-up;

d) any expenditure not determined by law, if it concerns a one-time expenditure exceeding five hundredths of the revenue amount projected in the latest budget or a recurring expenditure exceeding five thousandths of the same amount;

e) the laws and decrees that result in expenditures subject to mandatory referendum;

f) the treaties, concordats, and other public law agreements that derogate from the Constitution, complement it, or result in expenditures subject to mandatory referendum;

g) the state budget in accordance with Article 123a, paragraphs 4 and 6.

Subject to a popular vote if requested by two thousand voters or five municipalities

a) laws;

b) any expenditure not determined by law, if it is a one-time expenditure exceeding five-thousandths of the amount of revenue stated in the latest budget or a periodic expenditure exceeding five ten-thousandths of the same amount;

c) treaties, concordats, and other public law agreements that derogate from the law, complement it, or entail expenditures subject to an optional referendum;

d) real estate transactions, guarantees, and participation in an economic enterprise, if the amounts involved exceed five-thousandths of the amount of revenue stated in the latest budget;

e) plans in cases provided for by law;

f) initiatives submitted by the State in federal matters.

The Parliament may submit any decision it has made to a popular vote.

1 Everyone has the right to submit a petition to the authorities.

2 Any authority addressed with a petition is obligated to process it and respond.

The State recognizes the role of political parties and promotes their activities.

1 The Parliament is the primary representative of the people.

2 It determines the policy of the Canton.

3 It exercises legislative power, subject to the rights of the people.

4 It exercises high supervision over the Government, the administration, and the judicial authorities.

1 The Parliament

a) develops constitutional provisions in the event of a partial revision of the Constitution;

b) enacts laws, particularly those that govern the introduction of federal law.

2 It enacts decrees that implement the significant execution provisions of federal law and cantonal laws.

3 Drafts of constitutional provisions, laws, and decrees are subject to two readings.

Subject to the rights of the people, the Parliament

a) elects the members of the Cantonal Court, the prosecutor, and members of other authorities designated by law;

b) approves treaties, concordats, and other public law agreements that do not fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Government;

c) discusses the governmental program and its implementation;

d) approves cantonal plans concerning the economy, construction, land-use planning, and determines their binding nature;

e) approves the State's financial plans;

f) adopts the budget and approves the accounts;

g) authorizes any expenditure not determined by law if it involves a single amount exceeding five ten-thousandths of the revenue amount recorded in the most recent budget or a recurring expenditure exceeding five hundred-thousandths of that amount;

h) decides on real estate transactions, the granting of guarantees, and participation in economic enterprises if the amounts involved exceed five ten-thousandths of the revenue amount recorded in the most recent budget;

i) authorizes public borrowing;

j) approves management reports of the Government, the courts, and autonomous cantonal institutions;

k) resolves jurisdictional disputes in which the Constitutional Court is a party;

l) exercises the right of pardon;

m) grants amnesty;

n) gives its opinion on the Government’s response to federal consultations concerning important matters;

o) exercises the State's right of initiative in federal matters;

p) exercises the right to request, together with other cantons, the extraordinary convening of the Federal Assembly and to submit a federal law or federal decree to a popular vote;

q) exercises any other competence attributed to it by the Constitution or by law.

1 The Parliament consists of sixty deputies.

2 The law governs the election of substitutes.

1 For the election of Parliament, each district forms a constituency.

2 Three seats are automatically allocated to each constituency, with the remaining seats then distributed proportionally to the population.

The Parliament meets, upon convocation by the president

a) in the cases provided for by the regulations;

b) when it is specially decided;

c) at the request of the Government;

d) when twelve deputies request it, specifying the subjects to be addressed.

1 Members of Parliament freely fulfill their mandate.

2 They cannot be prosecuted for the statements they make in the exercise of their mandate.

3 They are only accountable to Parliament.

1 The Government conducts the policy of the Canton.

2 It exercises executive power and directs the administration.

3 It represents the State.

1 The Government participates in the drafting of legislation and may propose to Parliament any constitutional provision, law, or decree.

2 Subject to the Parliament's competence, it enacts the ordinances that implement federal law, as well as cantonal laws and decrees.

1 In case of emergency, the Government may issue orders and take measures that deviate from decrees, regulations, or laws.

2 These orders and measures remain in effect until the necessary provisions have been adopted in accordance with the Constitution, but for no more than one year.

1 The Government, subject to the competencies of the people and Parliament

a) appoints civil servants and any other persons responsible for a cantonal public function;

b) approves any expenditure not determined by a law;

c) decides on the conclusion of real estate transactions, the granting of guarantees, and participation in economic enterprises.

2 In addition, the Government

a) concludes public law agreements on minor matters;

b) presents a general policy program to Parliament at the beginning of the legislative term;

c) presents a report to Parliament on the achievement of its program at the end of the legislative term;

d) plans, subject to the competencies of Parliament, the activities of the State and provides for the implementation of plans;

e) prepares and submits the State's budget and accounts to Parliament;

f) manages the assets and finances of the State;

g) ensures public order and, to this end, has at its disposal the cantonal military forces;

h) executes laws, decrees, and orders, as well as judgments;

i) coordinates the activities of authorities and organizes the administration within the limits of the law;

j) assumes supervision of the communes;

k) supervises autonomous cantonal establishments;

l) rules on complaints and appeals in cases provided for by law;

m) grants cantonal amnesty;

n) responds, subject to the competencies of Parliament, to consultations from federal authorities;

o) consults and regularly informs federal parliamentarians;

p) exercises any other competency attributed to it by law or not assigned to a specific authority.

1 The Government consists of five members.

2 For the election of the Government, the Canton forms a single constituency.

The President and the Vice-President of the Government are elected by the Parliament.

1 The Government acts as a body of college.

2 Important matters always remain within its competence.

1 Each member of the Government directs a department whose responsibilities are defined by law.

2 Coordination between the departments must be ensured.

1 The Government may submit proposals to Parliament.

2 It attends Parliamentary sessions and may intervene on each matter.

The State establishes the Advisory Council of Jurassiens Residing Outside the Canton.

1 Every public official is at the service of the people.

2 The administration must be efficient and economical.

"The law may assign certain tasks of the State to autonomous establishments or institutions."

The courts are independent.

1 The first instance justice is administered throughout the cantonal territory by the Court of First Instance.

2 The Cantonal Court decides in the first instance in cases provided for by law.

The justice of the second instance is rendered by the Cantonal Court.

1 The Constitutional Court of the Cantonal Tribunal verifies, upon request and before implementation, the constitutionality of the laws.

2 It adjudicates within the limits of the law

a) disputes relating to the validity of cantonal and communal decrees, orders, ordinances, and regulations;

b) disputes relating to the autonomy of communes, recognized Churches, and their parishes;

c) disputes related to the exercise of political rights, the validity of cantonal elections and votes, and, upon appeal, that of elections and votes organized in districts and communes;

d) jurisdictional conflicts between cantonal authorities, unless the Constitutional Court itself is a party to the conflict;

e) other disputes specified by the law.

In criminal matters, the protection of minors falls under a special jurisdiction.

**1. Public Action**

Public action is exercised by the Public Prosecutor's Office.

The law governs the modalities for the election of judicial authorities, their organization and their competences, as well as the procedure within the limits of federal law.

1 Districts are administrative divisions of the Canton.

2 The law governs their organization.

3 It sets the method of election for the authorities and their powers.

4 …

1 The territory of the Canton is divided into four districts: Delémont, Les Franches-Montagnes, Porrentruy, Moutier.

2 The districts are delineated by law.

1 Municipalities and associations of municipalities are public law entities.

2 Their existence and autonomy are guaranteed within the limits of the Constitution and the law.

1 Municipalities are placed under the supervision of the Government.

2 The Government particularly oversees their financial management and the execution of tasks assigned to them by the Confederation and the Canton.

3 If irregularities are observed, the Government takes the measures prescribed by law.

4 In serious cases, it may suspend the municipal authorities and replace them with an extraordinary administration.

5 When the municipal authorities cannot be constituted, the Government establishes an extraordinary administration.

1 The municipalities cannot alter their boundaries, merge, divide, or be annexed to another district without the consent of their voters and the approval of the Parliament.

2 The State facilitates the mergers of municipalities.

3 Under the conditions and in the exceptional cases provided by law, the Parliament may decide on the merger of two or more municipalities or the modification of the boundaries between municipalities.

**1 For certain tasks of common interest, municipalities have the right to form associations that may include municipalities outside the Canton.**

2 The founding act and the regulations of the association must be adopted by the involved municipalities and approved by the Government.

3 The Government exercises the same oversight over municipal associations as it does over municipalities.

4 In cases provided by law, the Government may decide to establish a municipal association and draft its founding act and regulations.

The municipal commune carries out the local tasks that are not the responsibility of either the Confederation or the Canton.

1 The municipal commune establishes an organizational regulation.

2 This regulation must be adopted by the electorate and approved by the Government.

3 The Government grants its approval if the regulation is in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

The municipal commune shall have the following bodies

a) the electorate;

b) the municipal council;

c) the permanent committees prescribed by law.

1. Communal sovereignty belongs to the electorate.

2. The electorate expresses its will in a communal assembly or by way of voting.

3. The competencies of the electorate, the organization and functioning of the communal assembly, voting, and the right of initiative are governed by law, which may refer to the municipal regulation.

1 The communal assembly may be replaced by a general council.

2 The election, powers, organization, and functioning of the general council, as well as the referendum against its decisions, are regulated by law, which may refer to communal regulations.

1 The municipal council is the executive and administrative authority of the municipal commune.

2 It is presided over by the mayor.

3 The election, competencies, organization, and functioning of the council are governed by the law, which may refer to municipal regulations.

The Canton recognizes, in addition to municipal communes, mixed communes, bourgeois communes, and sections of communes, whose status is governed by law.

1 The State and municipalities collect taxes and other public contributions necessary for the execution of their duties.

2 Public contributions are established and, for the most part, regulated by law.

Taxpayers shall jointly, according to their economic capacity, contribute to the expenses of the State and the municipalities.

1 The State and the municipalities must be administered in a spirit of economy.

2 The State manages its finances by considering the needs of the entire Canton.

3 The State and the municipalities establish financial plans based on a planning of public tasks.

4 The principles of public finance management are regulated by law.

5 The State organizes the control of cantonal and municipal finances.

1 The State budget must present a degree of self-financing that is equal to or greater than 80%.

2 In the event of a shortfall in the balance sheet or if the gross debt exceeds one and a half times the budgeted amount under cantonal taxes, the degree of self-financing must be at least 100%.

3 The Parliament may, by a majority of at least two-thirds of the deputies, deviate from paragraphs 1 and 2 if extraordinary circumstances justify it. However, it cannot deviate for two consecutive years.

4 When the majority of two-thirds of the deputies cannot be reached or when the Parliament has deviated from paragraphs 1 and 2 the previous year, the budget that does not meet these conditions is subject to a mandatory referendum.

5 If the people approve the budget, the deviation in the sense of paragraph 3 may apply to the next budget.

6 If the people reject the budget, the Parliament must adopt a new one. If it does not meet the conditions of paragraphs 1 and 2, it is subject to a mandatory referendum.

7 Furthermore, the law regulates the modalities of the debt brake.

The budget and accounts of the State, those of the municipalities, municipal syndicates, their establishments and institutions, are public.

Any bill, decree, or order that entails expenses must be accompanied by a financing plan.

The State takes measures to mitigate the inequalities between communes with different economic and financial capacities.

1 The State creates a cantonal bank placed under its supervision.

2 It guarantees the bank's commitments.

3 The cantonal bank supports the economic policy of the Canton.

The State, the municipalities, and the associations of municipalities may participate in or create economic enterprises.

Article [Number]

The Regal Rights over Mines and the Regal Rights over Salts are reserved to the State.

1 The Roman Catholic Church and the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton are recognized as public law entities.

2 The Parliament may similarly recognize other significant and lasting Churches.

3 Other religious communities are subject to private law.

1 Recognized Churches organize themselves autonomously.

2 Each Recognized Church establishes an ecclesiastical Constitution, which must be adopted by its members and approved by the Government.

3 The Government must approve the ecclesiastical Constitution if it is adopted according to democratic principles and is in conformity with the Constitution and the law.

1 Every resident of the Canton belongs to the Church of their confession if they meet the conditions it requires.

2 Any member of a recognized Church can leave by providing a written declaration.

1 Recognized Churches organize the cantonal territory into parishes according to the provisions of their ecclesiastical Constitution.

2 Parishes are public law entities.

1 Recognized churches or their parishes may levy taxes in the form of supplements to the taxes specified by law.

2 The state and municipalities cooperate in the collection of ecclesiastical taxes through their administrative services.

3 Decisions of recognized churches or their parishes regarding taxes are subject to appeal in accordance with the law.

4 The law regulates the cases in which the state provides subsidies to the churches.

1 The Constitution may be amended in whole or in part.

2 Any amendment must be submitted to a popular vote.

1 Partial revision follows the ordinary legislative procedure.

2 It may concern one or several articles.

3 It must relate to only one subject matter.

1 The total revision of the Constitution is proposed to the people by means of popular initiative or by Parliament.

2 A constitutional amendment regulates the procedures.

3 If the constitutional amendment is rejected, Parliament shall submit a new draft to the people within a year.