It is in Switzerland that the mechanisms of the ordinary optional referendum and the popular initiative are the most highly developed. A referendum can be requested by 50,000 citizens against specific laws (except for emergency laws adopted for less than one year), certain international treaties and certain federal orders – decisions adopted by Parliament. A popular initiative can be presented by 100,000 citizens with the aim of revising the constitution and a general popular initiative, which can also lead to a change in the law, will be introduced shortly. Parliament decides solely on the validity of the popular initiative.