The Cantons are sovereign so far as their sovereignty is not limited by the Federal Constitution, and as such they exercise all the rights which are not delegated to the Federal government. All Swiss are equal before the law, with neither political dependence, nor privilege of place, birth, persons, or families. The Confederation guarantees to the Cantons their territory, their sovereignty (within the limits fixed), their Constitutions, the liberty and rights of the people, the constitutional rights of citizens, and the rights and powers which the people have conferred on those in authority. The Cantons are bound to ask of the Confederation the guarantee of their Constitutions: this is accorded, provided,-- (_a_) That the Constitutions contain nothing contrary to the provisions of the Federal Constitution. (_b_) That they assure the exercise of political rights according to republican forms, representative or democratic. (_c_) That they have been ratified by the people, and may be amended whenever the majority of all the citizens demand it. All separate alliances and all treaties of a political character between the Cantons are forbidden. The Confederation has the sole right of declaring war, of making peace, and of concluding alliances and treaties with foreign powers, particularly treaties relating to tariffs and commerce. No military capitulations shall be made.[16] Members of the Federal Government, civil and military officials of the Confederation, and Federal Representatives or Commissioners shall not accept from foreign Governments any pension, salary, title, present, or decoration. The Confederation has no right to maintain a standing army: every Swiss is subject to military service. The Confederation may construct at its own expense, or may aid by subsidies, public works which concern Switzerland or a considerable part of the country: the Confederation has the right of general supervision over the water and forest police measures in the upper mountain regions. It is authorized to adopt regulations as to the right of fishing and hunting, especially for the preservation of the large game in the mountains, and for the protection of birds which are useful to agriculture or forestry. Legislation pertaining to the construction and operation of railways is an affair of the Confederation. It has the right to establish, in addition to the existing Polytechnic school, a Federal University and other higher institutions of learning, or assist in their support. The customs are in the province of the Confederation; it may levy export and import duties; but the collection of the Federal customs shall be regulated according to the following principles: 1. Import duties.