Swiss Passport

Question 22 of 350 · Democracy and the rule of law

What is an important feature of democracy?

Was ist ein wichtiges Merkmal der Demokratie?

Correct answer: A

  1. AThe people elect a parliament.Das Volk wählt ein Parlament.
  2. BA king rules.Es regiert ein König.
  3. CPeople can travel freely.Die Menschen können frei reisen.
  4. DPeople have a guaranteed basic income.Die Menschen haben ein garantiertes Grundeinkommen.

Why

In a democracy the people have the power. They pass this power on by electing a parliament.

Common mistakes

C: People can travel freely.
Freedom to travel is a right that can also exist in other forms of government. It is not a feature of democracy.
D: People have a guaranteed basic income.
A guaranteed basic income has nothing to do with the form of government. Switzerland does not have one either.

Topic

What is a democracy?

Switzerland is a democracy. The word comes from Greek and means «rule of the people». In a democracy, power is not held by a king, a prince or a dictator. Power lies with the people. The opposite is, for example, a dictatorship, a principality or an absolutist state. There a single person or a small group decides, and the people have no say.

How the state works · Democracy and the rule of law

Sources

Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.