Who is in charge in Basel? The distribution of political power has changed significantly over time. During the Middle Ages Basel was part of the Reich and thus subject to the German Emperor.The bishop, however, was the city ruler, reigning over Basel together with an aristocratic elite. In time a non-aristocratic financial elite came to power with a 64-strong council ruling over reformed Basel from the 16th century onwards. The councillors were allocated by the guilds and kept their position for life. In 1789, the French Revolution put an end to this system of old.

Political participation by women, people of other religious beliefs and social minorities is taken for granted nowadays. However, it had to be fought for laboriously throughout the 19th and 20th century. Today, a Great Council with 100 members governs the fate of the Canton. Members of parliament belong to 9 different parties. 55% of the citizens are eligible to vote, allowing them to choose their political representatives every four years.