Question 36
Elections in Germany are free. What does that mean?
German original: Wahlen in Deutschland sind frei. Was bedeutet das?. In the test, all questions are asked in German.
Answer options
- You can accept money if you vote for a specific candidate.
- Only people who have never been in prison are allowed to vote.
- The voter may neither be influenced nor forced to cast a specific vote during the election and may not suffer any disadvantages as a result of the election. — Correct answer
- All eligible voters must vote.
Explanation
Free elections mean no one may be pressured or forced when voting, and no disadvantages may result from their vote. Secret ballot and freedom of choice are core democratic principles (Art. 38 Basic Law).
Key terms in this question
- Germany — Germany is a country in central Europe with a parliamentary democracy. It is a member of the European Union and its capital is Berlin.
- Federal state — A federal state is one of the 16 regions that together form Germany. Each state has its own government, parliament, and areas of responsibility.
- Elections — Elections are votes in which citizens choose representatives for political offices or parliaments. They are a key part of democratic systems.
- election — An election is a process in which people vote to choose a person or political party for a public office. It is a fundamental right in a democracy.
- free — Without restrictions or compulsion; a person can decide for themselves what they do or say.
- German — German is the official language of Germany, Austria, and part of Switzerland. It is the native language of approximately 100 million people.