The documents (Abschiede) of the Federal Diet (Tagsatzung, 1814-1848) are available online
From the Federal Treaty to the Federal Constitution: The Federal Diet’s most important proposals, opinions and decisions can be read here.
Until 1848, representatives of the cantons assembled in the Federal Diet in order to discuss political business.
The most important discussion topics and decisions were always summarised in writing and handed out to the representatives as they left the meeting – thus the document they received was known as the Abschied, German for ‘farewell’.
What was discussed and decided on? The Federal Treaty of 1815 defines the Federal Diet’s powers, which included military affairs. The Military Regulations of 1817 and establishment of the central officers’ school in Thun (1818) are two long lasting achievements of the Tagsatzung.
In addition to the daily business, you can read about the discussions held on the revision of the Federal Treaty, which resulted in the enactment of the first Federal Constitution in 1848. This was when the Federal Diet was replaced by the newly established Council of States and the legislature was expanded with the foundation of the National Council.
Link to the digitized documents in the Alexandria library network: