Part 5/12:
In Switzerland, civic education ingrains this decentralization as a fundamental aspect of culture. People are taught from childhood that governance starts local and that their participation matters. Because multiple cantons compete, they continuously innovate and better themselves, creating an environment of healthy competition.
This decentralized structure correlates with high social cohesion, a robust sense of patriotism rooted in community, and low levels of crime and homelessness. Homelessness is rare, and social welfare is effective yet not permissive—providing support with an emphasis on self-sufficiency, backed by a system that encourages responsibility.