council of states: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Political, Technical
Quick answer
What does “council of states” mean?
A legislative chamber, typically the upper house, in a federal government system representing the constituent states, cantons, or provinces.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A legislative chamber, typically the upper house, in a federal government system representing the constituent states, cantons, or provinces.
The specific name for the upper house of parliament in certain federal countries (e.g., Switzerland). More generally, a chamber in a bicameral legislature whose members represent territorial units rather than population proportion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Not a standard term in UK politics (UK has House of Lords). In US context, the equivalent is the 'Senate' (US Senate). The term is most specifically associated with Switzerland.
Connotations
Neutral, technical. Conveys a sense of federal representation and regional equality.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general English. High frequency in Swiss political discourse and comparative government studies.
Grammar
How to Use “council of states” in a Sentence
the Council of States + [verb]in the Council of Statesa seat on the Council of StatesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “council of states” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The proposal was council-of-statesed* (not a standard verb)
American English
- The bill was council-of-statesed* (not a standard verb)
adverb
British English
- The motion failed council-of-states-ly* (not a standard adverb)
American English
- They voted council-of-states-wise* (not a standard adverb)
adjective
British English
- A Council-of-States review is required.
- He has a council-of-states perspective.
American English
- A Council of States review is mandatory.
- She took a Council-of-States approach.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. May appear in reports on Swiss legislation affecting commerce.
Academic
Common in political science, comparative government, and European studies texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation outside Switzerland.
Technical
Standard term in legal and constitutional documents describing Swiss or similar federal systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “council of states”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “council of states”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “council of states”
- Using lower case when it's a proper noun (e.g., 'the council of states' vs. 'the Council of States').
- Confusing it with a 'council' as in a local government body.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In function, they are similar as upper houses in federal systems. However, 'Senate' is the term used in the USA, Canada, Australia, etc., while 'Council of States' is the specific name for the Swiss upper house.
They are elected directly by the people of each canton, with most cantons electing two members regardless of population size, ensuring equal representation for smaller cantons.
Only when speaking generically about the concept of an upper chamber representing states. When referring to the specific Swiss institution, it is a proper noun and must be capitalized: 'Council of States'.
Its main power is legislative co-equalness with the National Council (the lower house). Both chambers must approve identical versions of a federal law for it to pass, giving the Council of States significant veto power.
A legislative chamber, typically the upper house, in a federal government system representing the constituent states, cantons, or provinces.
Council of states is usually formal, political, technical in register.
Council of states: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkaʊns(ə)l əv steɪts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkaʊns(ə)l əv steɪts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"Council of States" sounds like "council for estates," reminding you that it represents territorial estates (states) in a federation.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FEDERAL BALANCING SCALE (representing the equilibrium between small and large states).
Practice
Quiz
The 'Council of States' is most precisely associated with which country's political system?