Malcolm Rivera
Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The country is led by a prime minister, and the monarch, currently King Carl XVI Gustaf, is the non-political head of state with ceremonial and representative duties. The Swedish government is built on democracy, with the parliament and government holding political power. General elections are held every four years, and all citizens of Sweden who are 18 years of age or older may vote.
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What You'll Learn
Sweden's voting eligibility and criteria
Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The Swedish monarchy is ceremonial and non-political, with the parliament and government holding the political power. The Swedish Constitution defines how Sweden is governed and is made up of four fundamental laws: the Instrument of Government, the Act of Succession, the Freedom of the Press Act, and the Riksdag (Parliament) Act.
In Sweden, general elections are held every four years, with the latest one taking place in September 2022. Around 7 million people are eligible to vote and thereby influence which political party will represent them in the Swedish parliament, as well as in the local and regional assemblies.
To vote in a Swedish general election, one must be a Swedish citizen, be at least 18 years old, and have previously been a resident of Sweden. Citizens of any other country in the European Union who are currently residents of Sweden can also vote in Swedish general elections. However, by choosing to vote in these elections in Sweden, they become ineligible to vote in European Parliamentary elections in any other EU member state.
In addition to general elections, Sweden also holds elections to the European Parliament every five years, in May or June. To vote in these elections, one must be at least 18 years old and be either a Swedish citizen or a citizen of another EU country residing in Sweden.
Sweden also has referendums, which are votes on specific issues. The Riksdag may call for a consultative (non-binding) referendum on various issues, or a decisive (binding) referendum may be held on amendments to the constitution if demanded by one-third of the Riksdag.
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The Swedish monarchy's role in elections
Sweden is a constitutional monarchy, with a parliamentary system. The Swedish monarchy is centred on the monarchical head of state, who is currently King Carl XVI Gustaf. The King's duties are regulated by law and are largely ceremonial and representative.
The Swedish monarchy has been a key feature in the development of Swedish culture, having patronized the arts and sciences for centuries. The monarchy has also played a significant role in the country's political, military, and cultural history. The current constitution, dating from 1809 and revised in 1975, is based on four fundamental laws: the Instrument of Government, the Act of Succession, the Freedom of the Press Act, and the Riksdag (Parliament) Act.
The monarchy's role in elections is limited to these ceremonial and representative duties. The King chairs meetings of the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs and receives and signs the credentials of foreign ambassadors. The King also heads the special cabinet council held when there is a change of government. However, the King does not have any political power, and the Swedish parliament and government hold the political power and make the decisions.
General elections in Sweden are held every four years, with the latest one taking place in September 2022. Around 7 million people are entitled to vote and decide which political parties will be represented in the Swedish parliament and local and regional assemblies. Swedish citizens aged 18 or over who are or have previously been residents of Sweden have the right to vote.
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The Swedish constitution and its amendments
Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a written constitution comprising four fundamental laws: the Instrument of Government, the Act of Succession, the Freedom of the Press Act, and the Riksdag (Parliament) Act. The constitution is based on the principles of popular sovereignty, representative democracy, and parliamentarism.
The Instrument of Government is the most important of the fundamental laws. It sets out the basic principles for political life in Sweden, defining rights and freedoms, and describing how the country is to be governed. It also contains rules regarding international cooperation and rules relating to the courts and public authorities. The Freedom of the Press Act, meanwhile, guarantees freedom of expression and publication without censorship.
The Act of Succession provides the rules governing the line of succession and designates the legitimate heirs to the Swedish throne. It also states that the monarch and dynastic members of the Royal House must be Protestant Christians of the pure evangelical faith.
The Riksdag Act has an intermediate position between constitutional and ordinary law. It describes how the Riksdag is elected and how its work is organised, as well as the procedures for forming a government and rules relating to its work.
To amend a fundamental law, the Riksdag must adopt two decisions of identical wording with a general election between them. The voters should have the opportunity to elect the Riksdag that shares their beliefs on the proposed amendment. A referendum on a constitutional matter can also be called if one-third of the Riksdag demands it. The Riksdag needs to approve the changes twice in two successive terms with simple majorities, with a general election having been held in between.
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The Swedish parliament and its powers
Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The Swedish Parliament, called the Riksdag, is the country's supreme decision-making body. The Riksdag has 349 members, elected proportionally to serve four-year terms. The Parliament's primary role is to make decisions and laws, while the government implements them. The government also proposes new laws or amendments to the Riksdag, which then decides on them. The Riksdag can also amend the constitution and appoint a government.
The Riksdag is also responsible for nominating and electing the Prime Minister, who then appoints the other cabinet members. The cabinet as a whole is responsible for all government decisions. The Riksdag can cast a vote of no confidence against any cabinet minister, including the Prime Minister, which forces a resignation.
The Riksdag has the power to call for consultative, non-binding referendums on various issues. However, a decisive, binding referendum can be held on amendments to the constitution if demanded by one-third of the Riksdag.
The Swedish Parliament has a long history, with its roots traced to a meeting in the city of Arboga in 1435. It was modified in 1527 by King Gustav I Vasa to include representatives from the four social estates: nobility, clergy, burghers, and yeomanry. In 1866, representation by estate was abolished, and a modern bicameral parliament was established. However, it only became a parliament in the true sense of the word in 1917 when parliamentary principles were established in the Swedish political system.
The Riksdag is the supreme decision-making assembly in Sweden, representing the citizens of the country. The citizens elect the Riksdag, and its representatives then elect the government.
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Sweden's political parties and their representation
Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The monarch has no political power and holds a purely ceremonial position. The Swedish government and parliament hold the political power. Elections are held every four years, and all citizens over the age of 18 who are residents of Sweden have the right to vote.
Sweden's political parties are typically placed on a left-to-right scale, with some parties considered part of the political centre. The country operates on a system of proportional representation, meaning that a party that receives 20% of the votes will also be given approximately 20% of the seats in the Riksdag, the country's parliament.
During the 2022-2026 electoral period, eight political parties were represented in the Riksdag. These included the Centre Party, the Christian Democrats, the Liberals, the Green Party, the Moderate Party, the Social Democratic Party, the Sweden Democrats, and the Left Party.
Other political parties in Sweden include the Communist Party of Sweden, the Feminist Initiative, the Health Care Party, the Human Rights and Democracy Party, the Independent Rural Party, the Nordic Resistance Movement, the Pirate Party, the Socialist Justice Party, and the Turning Point Party, among others.
It is worth noting that Sweden's constitution, comprising four fundamental laws, defines how the country is governed and outlines the relationship between decision-making and executive power, as well as the basic rights and freedoms of citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. Citizens over the age of 18 have the right to vote in elections.
General elections are held every four years, on the second Sunday of September.
The monarch is the head of state but has no political power. The monarch's duties are ceremonial and representative in nature.
