What does the word democracy mean?
The word democracy comes from Greek and roughly means rule by the people. This means that it is the people — the citizens — who decide, through their votes in elections, who should govern the country, not a king, a small group, or a single leader. In Sweden the king is head of state, but he or she has no political power. Power instead comes from the people, through the Riksdag (parliament), the government, regions and municipalities.
Free and secret elections
An important part of democracy in Sweden is that elections are free and secret. A secret ballot means that no one is required to reveal how they voted. At the polling station, you vote behind a screen, fold up the ballot, and place it in an envelope, so that neither family, employer, nor anyone else can see or pressure you to vote a certain way. This protection is central to ensuring that everyone can vote according to their own convictions, without fear of consequences.
Freedom of speech – a cornerstone
A functioning democracy requires that people can freely express their opinions. Freedom of speech means the right to say and write what you think, for example in newspapers, on social media, or in public debates, without the state deciding what may be said. Freedom of speech is protected in the constitution, but it is not entirely unlimited — for example, incitement against an ethnic or national group (hets mot folkgrupp) and unlawful threats are prohibited by law, since such acts can harm other people and undermine social cohesion.
What can threaten democracy?
Democracy does not maintain itself — it is something that must be safeguarded by everyone living in the country. Some examples of things that can pose a threat to democracy include:
- Low voter turnout — if few people vote, the result becomes less representative of the whole population.
- Spread of false information (disinformation) — inaccurate or misleading claims can make it harder for people to make well-informed decisions.
- Threats and hatred directed at journalists or politicians — this can scare people away from taking part in public debate or standing for political office.
Free media, a society governed by the rule of law, and an engaged population are, by contrast, things that strengthen democracy.
How you can influence society yourself
In a democracy like Sweden's, there are several legal and peaceful ways to influence society, for example by:
- Voting in elections to the Riksdag, regions and municipalities.
- Joining a political party or an association working on issues you consider important.
- Demonstrating or taking part in public gatherings.
- Contacting politicians, writing opinion pieces, or taking part in public debate.
What does not belong in a democracy, on the other hand, is bribing politicians, threatening journalists, or spreading false information to steer public opinion — such actions instead undermine the open society on which democracy is built.
Practice for the citizenship test
Questions about democracy, elections and freedom of speech are a recurring theme in the civics section of the citizenship test. By understanding why Sweden is organized the way it is — and why free elections, freedom of speech and active citizenship matter so much — it becomes easier both to pass the test and to feel at home in Swedish society. Remember that this text is study material, not a guarantee of a passing result; use it as a support in your preparation, together with the other exercises at CitizenPrep.