People's rule, equality, freedom and solidarity
Prepare for the Swedish citizenship civic test with practice questions and explanations about Democracy and Swedish values.
Start practicingPeople's government
The word democracy comes from the ancient Greek: "demos" (people) + "kratos" (power/rule). Democracy therefore means people's rule - power comes from the people.
Nationalism
The basic Swedish social values are equality, freedom, solidarity and openness. Nationalism is not one of these core values.
2009
Sweden got a gender-neutral marriage code in 2009, which means that all couples regardless of gender can get married. This also applies to weddings in the Church of Sweden.
7
The Discrimination Act lists seven grounds for discrimination: gender, transgender identity, ethnic affiliation, religion, disability, sexual orientation and age.
The Discrimination Ombudsman
DO stands for Discrimination Ombudsman - the state authority that investigates reports of discrimination and works preventively for everyone's equal rights.
In a democracy, the people choose their representatives in free elections and can replace them
The crucial difference is that in a democracy the people choose their representatives in free and secret elections and can replace them. In a dictatorship, those in power cannot be replaced through elections.
Among the top 5 in the world
Sweden consistently ranks among the five most equal countries in the world according to the World Economic Forum's global gender equality index.
That everyone – including those in power – is equal before the law
The rule of law means that everyone – rich and poor, powerful and ordinary citizens – is equal before the law. The courts are independent and can judge anyone.
Disinformation and fake news on social media
Disinformation and fake news are a serious threat to democracy. It can manipulate voters, undermine trust in institutions and polarize society.
1972
In 1972, Sweden was the first country in the world to allow legal change of gender. It reflects the early progressive politics around LGBTQI rights.
Vote, demonstrate, sign petitions, get involved in associations
There are many ways to participate in democracy: vote, demonstrate, sign petitions, contact politicians, get involved in associations and write submissions.
That people live separately based on income or ethnic background, which can weaken democracy
Segregation means that groups live apart based on economics or ethnic background. It can create exclusion and reduce the sense of community, which threatens the legitimacy of democracy.
You must follow the country's laws, pay taxes and can be called to a jury
In a democratic society, citizens have obligations such as obeying laws, paying taxes and, if necessary, testifying or serving as a juror in court. Rights and obligations go together.
1944
Homosexuality was decriminalized in Sweden in 1944. It was an early step towards LGBTQI rights, long before most other countries made similar decisions.
Functional impairment
Disability is one of the seven grounds of discrimination in the Discrimination Act. The other six are gender, transgender identity, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and age.