Privy Council of Sweden

The Swedish Senate: Riksrådet, from 1809 Statsrådet, from 1975 "Regeringen" was and is the principal government institution of Sweden.

The Constitution of 1809

On June 6, 1809 a new Constitution was adopted, and while the King named the Statsråd: the Council of State, the legislative powers of Government were once again shared with the Estates.

Related Topics:
June 6 - 1809 - Constitution - Estates

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The Statsråd had nine members - also called Statsråd - the leading members being the Justitie-Statsminster, the Minister of State for Justice and the Statsministern för Utrikes Ärendena, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. The departmental reform of 1840 created seven departments or ministries headed by a Statsråd - a return of sorts to 1634. In 1866 the 4 Estates were abolished and the new two-Chamber Riksdag was elected.

Related Topics:
1840 - 1866 - Riksdag

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From 1876 the Justitie-Statsminster is called Statsminister Prime Minister.

Related Topics:
1876 - Prime Minister

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From 1917 parliamentarian principles were once more established and the Monarch ceased to exercise his constitutional power to appoint the Statsråd. From now on the Government depends politically on support from the Parliament, the Prime Minister exercising the Royal prerogatives. However, appearances change slowly and the Swedish term used for the Government during this period still was Kungl. Maj:t, an abbreviation of Kungligt Majestät the Royal Majesty of 17th century Absolutism.

Related Topics:
1917 - Monarch - Swedish

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