Career
In 1921, he got a barrister's licence and opened his own law firm.From 1913 to 1932, he was a member of the Grand Council of Ticino, and in 1924, 1927-1928 and 1932, a member of the National Council (the Swiss Parliament).
During his office time he held the Department of Posts and Railways and was President of the Confederation twice in 1943 and 1948.Election results in the Federal Assembly
1940: Elected to the Federal Council with 118 votes (absolute majority: 112 votes)
1941: elected Vice President of the Federal Council with 144 votes (absolute majority: 94 votes)
1942: elected Federal President with 153 votes (absolute majority: 89 votes)
1943: re-election as Federal with 164 votes (absolute majority: 89 votes)
1946: elected Vice President of the Federal Council with 167 votes (absolute majority: 98 votes)
1947: re-election as Federal with 177 votes (absolute majority: 95 votes)
1947: elected Federal President with 172 votes (absolute majority: 93 votes)