He also maintained the tradition of choosing leaders in a mass meeting, and people under his rule were able to advance by ability rather than noble birth.

他也保持群众大会选举首领的传统，在他统治下的子民均可凭其能力获得晋升，而不是凭其高贵的出身。

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For one thing, as a direct democracy, with a confederal constitution, Switzerland prides itself on its tradition of rule by the people.

ECONOMIST: Christoph Blocher, ascendant Swiss populist