In 1848 he was elected into the National Council of Switzerland which he stayed until 1852, becoming its president in 1848. He was also in the Executive Council of Lucerne until 1852, when he resigned after having lost in his aim to support he construction of railway by the state. Instead, the National Council ordered the railways to be constructed with private funds. Josef Martin Knüsel was elected as Steigers successor. References Works Further reading External links 1801 births 1862 deaths People from Sursee District Swiss Roman Catholics Members of the National Council (Switzerland) Presidents of the National Council (Switzerland)