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The precursor to the Riksdag was the Riksdag of the Estates or Ståndsriksdagen. Of ancient origin in the Viking Things it became a permanent institution in the 15th century. The representation in the Riksdag of the Estates was based on the Four Estates, which historically reflected the lines of division in Swedish society: Nobility, Clergy, Burgesses and Peasants. Under the Instrument of Government of 1809 the Riksdag shared the powers of Government with the King.
The last time the King attempted to exercise political authority was in February, 1914 when King Gustav V delivered a speech to 30,000 Peasants, assembled on the yard of the Royal Castle in Stockholm[?], an action which precipitated the fall the incumbent liberal cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Karl Staff[?]. In the face of popular unrest and gains for Liberals and Socialists in general elections 1917 the King hesitantly accepted to appoint a new Cabinet in accordance with the principles of Parliamentarism. The new government's main task was to present bills on democratization. The voting franchise had been extended to all adult males in 1907 and women's suffrage gave them the same rights in 1921. By this Sweden had established a democratic and parliamentary system of Government.
In the 1960s debates intensified over constitutional reform in Sweden. The fundamental question was over the system of government. Even though a de facto parliamentary system was firmly established, somewhat similar to the situation in the United Kingdom, there were demands for a more democratic constitution. One of the main issues was whether the Monarchy would survive a constitutional reform and this blocked the issue for a long time.
In 1970 a reform of the Riksdag had been agreed upon. Though not technically part of the constitution it showed that the parties in the Riksdag were able to agree upon fundamental changes of the political system. The reform transformed the Riksdag from a two-chamber assembly it into a unicameral assembly with 350 seats. Unfortunately the first general election to the unicameral Riksdag only gave the Government support from 175 members, while the opposition could mobilize an equal force of 175 members. In several cases this meant that the final outcome of a tied vote, was decided by chance. In 1974 the number of seats were reduced to 349.
In 1974 a new Instrument of Government was established as the vital part of the Constitution, and for the system of Government. The Monarchy had remained but the King had lost all political influence and was reduced to a mere Symbolic Chief of State. Several of the traditional Chief of State functions had instead been transferred to the Speaker of Parliament, who almost could be regarded as some form of equivalent to or non-titular republican president.
See also: Government of Sweden, Politics of Sweden
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