Swiss Passport

Question 91 of 350 · Democracy and the rule of law

What is prohibited in a state governed by the rule of law?

Was ist in einem Rechtsstaat verboten?

Correct answer: C

  1. Acriticising lawsGesetze zu kritisieren
  2. Bquestioning the work of democratically elected authoritiesdie Arbeit von demokratisch gewählten Behörden in Frage zu stellen
  3. Carresting and imprisoning people without reasonPersonen grundlos zu verhaften und einzusperren
  4. Djoining a religious groupeiner religiösen Gruppierung beizutreten

Why

In a state governed by the rule of law, the state is also bound by the laws. It may not arrest or imprison anyone without reason and without a regulated procedure.

Common mistakes

A: criticising laws
Criticising laws is allowed. Freedom of opinion protects this.
B: questioning the work of democratically elected authorities
You may question the work of the authorities. Criticism is part of democracy.
D: joining a religious group
Freedom of religion allows you to join a religious group.

Topic

Rule of law and monopoly on the use of force

Switzerland is a state governed by the rule of law. This means: the laws apply to everyone. They apply to Swiss citizens, to foreigners and also to politicians. They also apply to people who said no in a popular vote. And above all: the state, too, must abide by the laws. It may not act arbitrarily.

How the state works · Democracy and the rule of law

Sources

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