Phrasing the question is one of the most delicate points of a referendum. A first problem is to choose the most important alternatives. Several procedures to select these alternatives and to avoid some kinds of manipulation, exist. There are a lot of arguments for the voting on principles, but also a lot against.The Swiss criterion for «unity of matter» is not workable; a new criterion is proposed. The danger of suggestivity is real. Rules to prevent these dangers are discussed. Finally, (...) some remarks are made on the problem «who decides on the question?». A neutral commission is wishful. (shrink)

In most referenda, only two alternatives are used. In this article, the possibility to find procedures for three and more alternatives is discussed.The Swiss voting system for the revision of the constitution is not logically correct. Most procedures used in Swiss cantons are not either. Voting systems with two rounds, with points, or based on a relative majority are not defendable too. Nevertheless, a workable and logically correct procedure for 3 alternatives exists.Using 4 of more alternatives is only possible in (...) case of single-peakedness or some kinds of value-restrictedness. When this is not the case, systems which are logically correct, are getting too complex to be workable. (shrink)