Bundessrat

Bundessrat is a common misspelling or variant spelling of Bundesrat, a term used in several German-speaking countries to denote a national or federal council or cabinet. Although the key word is the same, the constitutional role of a Bundesrat differs by country: Germany, Austria, and Switzerland each have a body called Bundesrat with distinct functions in government and legislation.

In Germany, the Bundesrat is the federal council that represents the 16 Länder (states) in the legislative process. Its members are not elected directly by the public; they are delegates appointed by each state government. The council has a weighted voting system totaling 69 votes, with the number of votes per state depending on population. The Bundesrat participates in federal lawmaking; many laws require its Zustimmung (consent), and constitutional amendments require the joint approval of Bundestag and Bundesrat. It also participates in administration and administration-related matters and operates on a rotating presidency.

In Austria, the Bundesrat is the federal council that forms the upper house of parliament. It consists of delegates appointed by the Länder (states), with representation allocated among them according to population size. The Austrian Bundesrat reviews legislation passed by the National Council, can delay or block ordinary laws, and has special authority over constitutional amendments, which require both chambers’ consent. Its composition and influence reflect the federal structure rather than direct popular election.

In Switzerland, the Bundesrat is the seven-member federal executive council, not a legislative chamber. Members are elected by the Federal Assembly for four-year terms and collectively form the Federal Council, each heading a federal department. The presidency rotates annually among its members. The Bundesrat governs the Swiss federal administration and proposes policies and laws, working as a collegial body with no single head of government.

Note: Bundessrat is rarely used officially; the standard terms are Bundesrat in each country.