Three referendums were held in Switzerland during 1947.^[1] The first was held on 18 May on a popular initiative for "economic reform and rights concerning work", and was rejected by voters.^[1] The second and third were both held on 6 July on revising the articles of the federal constitution covering the economy and a federal law on aged and bereavement insurance.^[1] Both were approved by voters.^[1]

The May referendum, which was a popular initiative, and the July referendum on amending the constitution, which was a mandatory referendum,^[1] both required a double majority; a majority of the popular vote and majority of the cantons.^[2] The decision of each canton was based on the vote in that canton.^[2] Full cantons counted as one vote, whilst half cantons counted as half.^[2] The July referendum on the federal law on aged and bereavement insurance was an optional referendum,^[1] which required only a simple majority of votes in favour.^[1]