Sweden

THE POPULAR GOVERNMENT in Sweden rests upon an ancient political tradition. The Swedish unicameral parliament, Riksdag, stems from the ancient court system used by all Germanic peoples—the Ting (tribal courts)—and the election of kings in the Viking age. It became a permanent institution in the 15th century. The government of Sweden is a limited constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. King Carl XVI Gustav of the House of Bernadotte became king of Sweden in 1973. His authority is formal, symbolic, and representational. Crown Princess Victoria, legitimate daughter of the monarch, born in July 14, 1977, is heir apparent, though a constitutional amendment is required to allow a female succession. The executive authority of the government is vested in the cabinet, which consists of a prime ...