Sample questions: Sweden's democratic system
Democracy, free elections, participation, threats to democracy, segregation and integration.
The word democracy comes from Greek and means rule by the people. Power derives from the people and citizens can influence decisions. In free elections everyone entitled to vote has one vote, there are several parties to choose between, and voting is secret. You also have the right not to vote. Everyone has freedom of expression. The rule of law (rättssäkerhet) means laws apply to everyone and nobody is convicted without a fair trial. Democracy grows stronger when many people vote, get involved and inform themselves. Threats to democracy include low turnout, false information and hate, and threats against politicians and journalists. Segregation can weaken democracy; integration means people of different backgrounds live closer together and feel part of society.
The questions below are written by Medborgarklar for practice. They are not taken from a real test, they are not published by UHR, and we do not claim they have appeared in a sitting.
8 questions with answers and explanations
What is an important condition for democracy when it comes to the laws?
- AThat the laws apply to everyone in Sweden and nobody is convicted without a fair trial
- BThat the government can change a judgment
- CThat the laws apply only to Swedish citizens
- DThat the Riksdag can decide how the courts should rule
Correct answer: A. That the laws apply to everyone in Sweden and nobody is convicted without a fair trial
Why: An important condition for democracy is that the laws apply to everyone in Sweden. Nobody may be convicted without a fair trial. This is called legal certainty.
Which of the following is mentioned as a way to influence your own municipality?
- AAppealing to the king
- BVoting in the European Parliament election
- CContacting the Armed Forces
- DSubmitting views and proposals to the municipality
Correct answer: D. Submitting views and proposals to the municipality
Why: The study material lists several ways to participate and influence society, including submitting views and proposals to your municipality, contacting politicians, demonstrating and signing a petition.
What does the word democracy mean?
- ARule by the military
- BRule by the people
- CRule by one person
- DRule by a king
Correct answer: B. Rule by the people
Why: The word democracy comes from Greek and means rule by the people. Power derives from the people.
What does it mean that elections in Sweden are secret?
- ANobody has to reveal how they vote
- BParties may not know how many votes they received
- CThe result is kept secret for ten years
- DOnly the state may know the result
Correct answer: A. Nobody has to reveal how they vote
Why: Elections must be secret so that nobody has to reveal how they vote. Everyone votes behind a screen in the polling station.
Do you have to vote in elections in Sweden?
- AYes, otherwise you are fined
- BYes, it is compulsory for everyone over 18
- CYes, but only in the Riksdag election
- DNo, you have the right not to vote
Correct answer: D. No, you have the right not to vote
Why: In a democracy people have the right to vote in free elections, but you also have the right not to take part.
What does freedom of expression mean?
- AThe right always to win an argument
- BThe right to write and say what you think
- CThe right to spread any information at all without responsibility
- DThe right to force media to publish your opinions
Correct answer: B. The right to write and say what you think
Why: Everyone has freedom of expression, that is, the right to write and say what they think. Some expressions, such as defamation and incitement against a group, are still prohibited by law.
What is meant by the rule of law (rättssäkerhet)?
- AThat the government decides the verdicts
- BThat the laws may never be changed
- CThat the police always win in court
- DThat the laws apply to everyone and nobody is convicted without a fair trial
Correct answer: D. That the laws apply to everyone and nobody is convicted without a fair trial
Why: The rule of law means that the laws apply to everyone in Sweden and that nobody may be convicted without a fair trial.
Which of the following is a way of influencing society in Sweden?
- ARefusing to pay tax
- BThreatening a politician
- CSigning a petition
- DSpreading false information about parties
Correct answer: C. Signing a petition
Why: You can have influence by voting, joining a party or an association, contacting politicians, demonstrating, signing petitions and taking part in public debate.