The Landsgemeinde – Appenzell Innerrhoden – Citizenship Test

Direct Democracy in its Purest Form:

• An open-air assembly where all eligible citizens gather
• Citizens vote by show of hands (Handmehr)
• No secret ballots – everything is public
• Ancient tradition dating to medieval times
• One of the oldest forms of direct democracy still practiced

How Voting Works:

• Handmehr (show of hands)
• Citizens raise their hand to vote yes or no
• The Landammann (presiding officer) judges the majority visually
• If the result is unclear, a more careful count is taken
• Decisions are made collectively and publicly

Public Participation:

• Everything happens in the open
• Citizens can debate proposals publicly
• Decisions are made transparently
• Creates strong civic engagement

Similar to Ancient Athens:

• Like the Athenian assembly, citizens gather to decide
• Direct participation, not representation
• The people themselves are the legislature

When and Where:

• Held last Sunday of April each year
• Takes place in Appenzell town square (Landsgemeindeplatz)
• All eligible citizens gather outdoors
• Weather permitting – the assembly is almost never canceled

Who Can Participate:

Eligibility:

• Swiss citizen and resident of Innerrhoden
• Age 18 or older
• Since 1990: both men and women (see separate lesson)

Traditional Dress:

• Many citizens attend in traditional dress (Tracht)
• This is optional but common
• Shows pride in cantonal identity
• Creates a distinctive, colorful atmosphere

How It Works:

The Assembly Format:

• Citizens stand in the town square, typically forming a large ring
• The Landammann (highest cantonal official) presides
• Government presents proposals for voting
• Citizens can debate publicly

Voting Process:

• Vote by raising hands (Handmehr)
• Landammann judges the majority visually
• If unclear, counted more carefully
• Decisions are binding for the entire year

What's Decided:

• Cantonal laws and constitutional changes
• Budget approval
• Election of cantonal government (Standeskommission)
• Election of Landammann
• Important policy decisions

Duration:

• Typically lasts 2-4 hours
• Depends on number of proposals

Ceremonial Swords (Seitengewehr):

Historical Tradition:

• Citizens traditionally carry a ceremonial sidearm (sword or dagger)
• Originally real weapons – now ceremonial
• Symbolizes the armed, free citizen
• Historical concept: free citizens had the right to bear arms
• Goes back to medieval times

Modern Practice:

• Many men (and some women) still carry ceremonial swords
• Usually worn on a belt or chain
• Each sword is personal and often passed down through generations
• Creates a distinctive, solemn atmosphere

Other Ceremonial Elements:

Opening:

• Formal opening ceremonies
• Speeches by officials
• Sometimes prayers or blessings

During Proceedings:

• Formal language and procedures
• Respectful conduct expected
• Landammann gives instructions and maintains order

After Voting:

• Socializing and community gathering
• Food and drink available
• Music and celebration
• Strengthens community bonds

Sense of Civic Duty:

• Strong feeling of participating in something important
• Connection to ancestors who did the same
• Pride in this unique democratic tradition
• Living Swiss heritage

Only Two Cantons:

• Appenzell Innerrhoden and Glarus are the only two cantons still practicing the Landsgemeinde
• All other cantons have abolished this tradition
• Both are conservative, traditional cantons

Similarities:

• Both hold open-air assemblies
• Both vote by show of hands
• Both preserve ancient democratic traditions
• Both are relatively small, rural cantons

Differences:

Appenzell Innerrhoden:

• Last Sunday of April
• More conservative and traditional
• Ceremonial swords carried
• Smaller population (~16'000)

Glarus:

• First Sunday of May
• Slightly less traditional
• No ceremonial swords
• Larger population (~40'000)
• Glarus abolished its Landsgemeinde in 2023 (last one was May 7, 2023)

Note: As of 2023, Glarus decided to abolish its Landsgemeinde. Appenzell Innerrhoden is now the only canton still practicing this tradition.