What is democracy?
Democracy is a political system where power comes from the people. The word democracy comes from the ancient Greek language: "demos" means people and "kratos" means power or rule. Democracy can thus be directly translated as "people's rule".
In a democracy, citizens choose their representatives in free and fair elections. The representatives make decisions on behalf of the people but can be removed at the next election if the people are not satisfied. This is what separates democracy from dictatorship.
Democracy versus dictatorship
In a dictatorship, the country is ruled by a person or a small group who is not elected by the people. Dictatorships often do not allow free elections, a free press or opposition parties. People can be punished for criticizing the authorities.
- Democracy: power comes from the people, free elections, free press, opposition parties allowed
- Dictatorship: the power of one person/group, no free elections, censorship, suppression of opposition
- In a democracy, the laws are the same for everyone – even for the rulers
- The courts are independent and can judge those in power if they break the law
Swedish basic values
Swedish society is based on a number of fundamental values that permeate laws, institutions and everyday life. These values are about equality, freedom, solidarity and openness.
- Equality (equality): all people have equal value regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or social background
- Freedom (freedom): freedom of thought, opinion, press and religion are protected in the constitution
- Solidarity (solidarity): society takes care of those who need help - sick, old, unemployed
- Openness (openness): transparency in public administration; the principle of publicity
Gender equality
Sweden is considered one of the world's most equal countries. Equality means that women and men must have the same rights, opportunities and obligations in all areas of life - in working life, in the home and in politics.
Sweden has long had an equality policy that aims to break down traditional gender patterns. Parental insurance is designed so that both parents are encouraged to take parental leave. There are equality goals in the school curriculum and in working life.
The rule of law – everyone is equal before the law
In Sweden, the rule of law applies, which means that everyone - rich and poor, people in power and ordinary citizens - are equal before the law. No one should be convicted without evidence and a fair trial. The courts are independent from politicians.
The Discrimination Act and seven grounds of discrimination
Discrimination is prohibited in Sweden. The Discrimination Act protects people from being treated worse because of who they are. The law lists seven grounds for discrimination – that is, characteristics on which you may not discriminate against someone.
- 1. Gender – male, female or non-binary
- 2. Transgender identity or expression – transgender
- 3. Ethnicity – national and ethnic background, skin colour
- 4. Religion or other belief
- 5. Functional impairment – physical or mental
- 6. Sexual orientation – straight, gay or bisexual
- 7. Age
The Discrimination Ombudsman (DO) is the state authority that investigates reports of discrimination and works preventively against discrimination in society.
LGBTQI rights
Sweden has a long history of strengthening the rights of gay, bi and transgender people. In 2009, marriage was opened to same-sex couples in Sweden – one of the first countries in the world to do so. The Church of Sweden can marry same-sex couples in the church.
- 1944: Homosexuality was decriminalized in Sweden
- 1972: Sweden was the first country in the world to allow legal gender reassignment
- 1994: Registered partnership for same-sex couples introduced
- 2003: Homosexual couples gained the right to adopt children
- 2009: Gender Neutral Marriage Act – marriage open to all
Rights and obligations
In a democratic society, citizens have both rights and obligations. The rights provide freedom and protection, while the obligations contribute to the functioning of society for everyone.
- Rights: to vote, to express one's opinions, to be treated equally before the law
- Obligations: to follow the country's laws, pay taxes, testify in court if called
- Jury service: citizens can be called to participate in trials
- Democracy requires active citizens to function
How can one participate in democracy?
In a democracy there are many ways to influence society - not just by voting every four years. Active citizenship is the basis for a living democracy.
- Vote in elections (Riksdag, region, municipality, EU Parliament)
- Join a political party
- Sign petitions and petitions
- Participate in demonstrations and demonstrations
- Contact local politicians and write submissions
- Get involved in associations, unions and civil society
- Discuss politics and social issues with those around you
- Leave opinions in municipal councils and citizen dialogues
Threats to democracy
Democracy is not self-evident – it must be protected and defended. There are several threats to Swedish democracy that society works to counteract.
- Disinformation and fake news – spread quickly on social media and can manipulate elections
- Extremism – violent movements that threaten democratic institutions
- Corruption – when people in power abuse their position for personal gain
- Segregation – when parts of the population felt outside the social community
- Low voter turnout – reduces the legitimacy of democracy