Swiss Passport

Question 42 of 350 · Parties, associations and media

What function do political parties have in a democracy?

Welche Funktion haben die Parteien in einer Demokratie?

Correct answer: A

  1. AThey represent the various interests and concerns of the population.Sie vertreten verschiedene Interessen und Anliegen der Bevölkerung.
  2. BThey elect the government.Sie wählen die Regierung.
  3. CThey control the media.Sie kontrollieren die Medien.
  4. DThey mediate in disputes between different authorities.Sie vermitteln bei Streit zwischen verschiedenen Ämtern.

Why

Parties bring the concerns of different groups of the population into politics. They put forward candidates and make political proposals.

Common mistakes

B: They elect the government.
The Federal Council is elected by the Federal Assembly, not by the parties.
C: They control the media.
The media in Switzerland are free. Parties do not control them.

Topic

Parties

A political party is an association of people with similar political goals. They join together to reach these goals together. Parties deal, for example, with the economy, social issues or the environment. Anyone can join a party. You do not have to be a member of parliament to do so.

Having a say: rights and obligations · Parties, associations and media

Sources

Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.