Criticism belongs in a democracy.
Imagine that you think a decision by the federal government is wrong. You explain your objection in a conversation, a letter or a public post. Your opinion does not need to please the government to be protected by the Basic Law.
That is the idea behind this question. Notice the words “openly speak against the government”: they describe political criticism. The relevant right is freedom of expression. Article 5(1) of the Basic Law protects expressing and sharing opinions through speech, writing and images.
Why do the other answers not fit?
All four choices contain familiar concepts. Your job is to match the concept to what the person is doing.
Freedom of religion
This concerns faith and religious beliefs. The question describes a political statement. The word “religion” takes you away from the action being tested.
Paying taxes
Taxes fund public responsibilities. They are not an entry fee for political debate. The question asks about a right, not something received in return for a payment.
The right to vote
Casting a vote is different from expressing an opinion. Someone who cannot vote in a particular election can still criticise the government.
Free expression does not mean everything is allowed.
Article 5(2) sets out limits: general laws, protections for young people and personal honour. Whether a particular statement is lawful also depends on its content and context. Political criticism and a criminal threat are therefore different things.
Question 001 does not ask you to decide a difficult legal case. It asks which fundamental right generally protects public criticism of the government. The answer remains freedom of expression.
Article 5 · Basic Law ↗Criticising the government → Meinungsfreiheit.
Start by asking: what is the person doing? Here they are expressing an opinion. They are not voting, making a payment or practising a religion.
Three words for this question
- offenopenly
- Not only in secret or kept to yourself.
- die Regierungthe government
- At federal level: the Federal Chancellor and the federal ministers.
- etwas gegen … sagento speak against …
- To disagree or voice criticism; here, of the government.