What is an important feature of democracy?
Was ist ein wichtiges Merkmal der Demokratie?
Correct answer: A
- A The people elect a parliament.Das Volk wählt ein Parlament.
- B A king rules.Es regiert ein König.
- C People can travel freely.Die Menschen können frei reisen.
- D People 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
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
Last checked: September 2026
Question 22 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.