Monarch of Sweden

Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a representative democracy based on a parliamentary system. The Head of State is the highest public office in Sweden. According to the Act of Succession of 1810 that office is inherited within the House of Bernadotte.

Head of state

In 1974 a new Instrument of Government became part of the Constitution which the Privy Council as the government institution and stripped the Monarch of virtually all formal powers, while still retaining him as Head of State. Many of the king's previous politicial functions were transfered to the Speaker of the Riksdag. The monarch leads the Privy Council in a session that establishes the new government following a general election or cabinet reshuffle. The king also chairs the Committee for Foreign Affairs (Utrikesnämnden), a body which serves to officially inform the head of state and the leaders of the opposition of government affairs. Bills passed in the Swedish parliament become law without having to acquire royal assent.

Related Topics:
1974 - Instrument of Government - Privy Council - Speaker of the Riksdag

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A more recent constitutional reform changed the rules for succession to equal primogeniture. This allowed for female succession to the throne and created Princess Victoria heir apparent over her younger brother.

Related Topics:
Primogeniture - Princess Victoria

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