Jonah Patel
Sweden is a constitutional monarchy, which means that the monarch is the country's head of state and their duties are regulated by law. The Swedish monarchy is one of the oldest in the world, with a history spanning over a millennium. While the king or queen of Sweden has no political power and their tasks are solely ceremonial, symbolic, and representative, they play an important role in promoting Swedish interests and building relationships with other nations through state visits. The political power in Sweden is divided between the government, led by the Prime Minister, which holds executive power, and the parliament, which is elected within a multi-party system and holds legislative power. The judiciary, appointed by the government, is independent of the executive and legislative branches.
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What You'll Learn
The Swedish monarchy's history and evolution
The monarchy of Sweden is centred on the monarchical head of state of Sweden, by law a constitutional and hereditary monarchy with a parliamentary system. Sweden has been a continuous monarchy since the 10th century, making it unique in the world with its historical and cultural heritage stretching back more than a millennium.
The Swedish monarchy dates back more than a thousand years, and represents both continuity and tradition. Over the centuries, its role has changed in line with the rest of society. The current Swedish royal family is of the House of Bernadotte, the dynasty that has ruled the longest. In 1810, King Karl XIII was left without a successor, following the death of his adopted son, Prince Karl August. King Karl XIII – who himself had been appointed the year before following his nephew King Gustav IV Adolf's deposal – opted to adopt Frenchman Jean Baptiste Bernadotte, a former general under Napoleon Bonaparte.
The Instrument of Government of 1809 put an end to royal absolutism by dividing the legislative power between the Riksdag (primary) and the king (secondary), and vested executive power in the king when acting through the Council of State. The current democratic regime is a product of a stable development of successively added democratic institutions introduced during the 19th century up to 1921, when women's suffrage was introduced. Sweden is formally a monarchy with a monarch holding symbolic power.
The Torekov compromise, struck in 1971 by the four major parties at the time, provided, and continues to provide, a majority consensus in Swedish political discourse on the role of the monarchy within the constitutional framework. The official motive for the radical changes that came to pass in 1975 was for it to be as descriptive as possible of the workings of the state and clear on how decisions are actually made. The monarch lost all formal executive powers, and the role of the monarchy became entirely ceremonial.
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The Swedish monarchy's current role and duties
Sweden has a constitutional monarchy under a parliamentary system. The current monarch, King Carl XVI Gustaf, has been on the throne since 1973 and is the country's 74th monarch.
The Swedish monarchy is centred on the monarchical head of state of Sweden, by law a constitutional and hereditary monarchy with a parliamentary system. The monarch's functions and duties, as defined in the 1974 Constitution Act, include heading the special cabinet council held when there is a change of government, but no executive powers with respect to the governance of the realm are vested in him.
The monarch plays no part in the process of ousting a government, which can only be done through a motion of no confidence in the Riksdag. The Riksdag can alter the Constitution of Sweden, but only with the approval of a supermajority and confirmation after the following general elections.
The king works to promote Swedish interests and has an extensive representative programme in Sweden, which is planned based on his own initiatives and requests from various sectors of society. The king's official programme activities include foreign and domestic relations with representatives from other countries, local, regional, and national authorities, and organisations. The king and queen carry out state visits to other countries and host incoming state visits. The king also chairs Advisory Councils on Foreign Affairs.
The monarch is also the Grand Master of the Royal Swedish Orders of Chivalry: the Order of the Seraphim, the Order of the Polar Star, the Order of Vasa, and the Order of the Sword.
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The Swedish government's structure and functions
Sweden is a constitutional monarchy, with a parliamentary system. The current monarch, King Carl XVI Gustaf, is the head of state, but holds no political power. The King's duties are ceremonial and symbolic, representing and promoting Sweden. He makes state visits, meets foreign leaders and receives foreign ambassadors.
The Swedish government is led by the Prime Minister, who exercises executive power. Legislative power is vested in the government and parliament, with the judiciary being independent. The Riksdag, or parliament, is unicameral, with 349 members, elected every four years. The Riksdag can alter the constitution, but only with a supermajority and confirmation after the following general election. The Riksdag also has the power to adopt the government's budget, unless a majority of members vote against it.
Sweden's constitution is made up of four fundamental laws: the Instrument of Government, the Act of Succession, the Freedom of Press Act and the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression. The Instrument of Government is the most important, setting out the basic principles of Swedish political life, including rights and freedoms. It also establishes the role of the monarchy, stating that Sweden is to have a king or queen as head of state. The Act of Succession determines the line of succession to the throne, which has been fully cognatic since 1980.
Sweden is divided into 21 counties, each with a county administrative board and council, and further divided into 290 municipalities, which are responsible for providing local services such as water, schools and care for the elderly and ill.
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The Swedish constitution's laws and amendments
Sweden's constitution consists of four fundamental laws: the Instrument of Government, the Freedom of the Press Act, the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression, and the Act of Succession. These laws constitute a basic framework that stands above other laws and regulations, defining which agreements are above normal Swedish law.
The Instrument of Government of 1809 put an end to royal absolutism by dividing legislative power between the Riksdag (primary) and the king (secondary), and vested executive power in the king when acting through the Council of State. The 1974 Instrument of Government, which replaced the 1809 version, transformed the advisory Council of State into the collegial Government, to which all executive power was entrusted. It also set out the basic principles of political life in Sweden, defining rights and freedoms.
The Freedom of the Press Act, which has been amended several times, abolished censorship and restricted limitations on retroactive legal measures for criticism of the Lutheran state church and the royal house. The Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression applies to various forms of media, including radio, television, films, and websites, and affirms the right to publish without censorship.
The Act of Succession is a treaty between the old Riksdag of the Estates and the House of Bernadotte, regulating the right to accede to the Swedish throne. In 1980, the old principle of agnatic primogeniture, which meant that the throne was inherited by the eldest male child, was replaced by the principle of absolute primogeniture, meaning the throne is inherited by the eldest child regardless of sex.
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 based on their beliefs on the proposed amendment. A referendum on a constitutional matter can also be called, but this has never been done.
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The Swedish people's rights and participation
Sweden is a constitutional monarchy, with a parliamentary system and a democratic regime. The Swedish monarchy is one of the oldest in the world, with a history that dates back over a thousand years.
The Swedish people have a right to influence and participate in the governing of their country, either directly or by electing their representatives in free and fair elections. This is done through the Riksdag, which is the Swedish parliament. The Riksdag consists of 349 members, who are elected by the people and can be voted out through a motion of no confidence. The Riksdag is unicameral, meaning it has one chamber, and its members are elected based on proportional representation for a four-year term.
The people of Sweden also have the right to freedom of opinion and expression, which includes the freedom to share their ideas and thoughts through various mediums such as newspapers, websites, and social media. However, this right does not extend to the use of hate speech or slander.
In addition, the Swedish people have a say in how the country is governed through the Instrument of Government, one of the four fundamental laws of the Swedish Constitution. The Instrument of Government sets out the basic principles of political life in Sweden and defines the rights and freedoms of its citizens. It also establishes that Sweden is a monarchy with a king or queen as the head of state, and it outlines the duties and responsibilities of the monarch.
The people's participation in governance is further facilitated by the existence of specialised ministries that assist the government in making political decisions. Additionally, Sweden has an independent judiciary, with courts at different levels, including the Supreme Court, which, however, lacks the power to overturn laws, even if they conflict with the constitution.
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Frequently asked questions
The Swedish monarchy is a constitutional and hereditary monarchy with a parliamentary system. It is one of the oldest in the world, with a history stretching back over a thousand years.
The Swedish monarch has no political power and their role is entirely ceremonial. The monarch's duties include heading the special cabinet council during a change of government, and representing Sweden during state visits.
Sweden is a democracy, with a head of state and a parliamentary system. Executive power is held by the government, led by the Prime Minister, and legislative power is vested in the government and parliament, which is elected by the people.
The Riksdag is the Swedish parliament, consisting of members elected by the people. It has the power to pass laws, approve the budget, and alter the constitution (with a supermajority).
The Swedish monarchy is a non-political unifying force and symbol of the country. The monarch's role is largely symbolic and representative, promoting Swedish interests and values both domestically and abroad.
