The parliament (Kantonsrat) forms the legislative power of the canton. The 80 members are elected for the same period as the government. The cantonal parliament approves the budget and the accounts, advises on major building projects and debates initiatives (motions, proposals and questions) from its own ranks. Furthermore it ensures the government and administration fulfil their duties and areas of competence, exercises formal supervision of the courts and decides on matters pertaining to naturalisation and reprieves. Every citizen may attend the debates in the chambers.