She was elected to the Swiss Federal Council on March 11, 1999, as a member of the Christian Democratic People's Party from the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden. During her office time she has headed the Federal Department of Justice and Police.
On December 10, 2003, she became one of the few members of the council not being reelected. Her party lost her seat to the Swiss People's Party. Christoph Blocher succeeded her on January 1, 2004.
| Preceded by: Arnold Koller |
Federal councellors of Switzerland | Succeeded by: Christoph Blocher |