Situated on the Baltic side of the Scandinavian Peninsula and projecting north of the Arctic Circle, Sweden is the largest, most populous, and wealthiest of the Scandinavian countries. In 1986, the per capita GNP was $13,000 (Banks 567). The purpose of this paper is to discuss the policy-making apparatus of the Swedish government; the party system; the organization of Parliament; the roles of the prime minister, monarch, and major interest groups; the electoral system; and the general economy. Following this discussion is an evaluation of the system, noting its strengths and weaknesses.
Sweden is a parliamentary democracy, and it is a monarchy. Nordic society's aim is government by consensus. It is structured to encourage shrewd appraisal conservative attitudes towards change, and formation of policy for the common good (Taylor 88). Unlike American government, each administration of Swedish government does not implement dramatic and widespread change, countering the programs of predecessors. Widespread and lengthy consultation is normal, and sometimes mandatory, before new policies are made (Taylor 89-91).
The legislature is called the Riksdag, a unicameral body consisting of 349 members serving three-year terms. Of the total, 310 are elected by proportional representation from 28 constituencies; the remainder are selected from a national pool designed to give absolute proportional representation to all parties. The present speaker of the Riksdag is Ingemand Bengtsson (Banks 569).
The cabinet consists of the prime minister, the deputy prime minister, and 20 ministers of various areas of concern, such as education, defense, and culture. The chief executive officer is the prime minister, who is nominated by the Riksdag speaker and confirmed by the entire house. The prime minister appoints the members of the cabinet, which is a policy-drafting body. Routine matters are largely carried out by independent administrat...