The history of the Riksdag

Approximately one hundred years ago, women and men were granted universal and equal suffrage. But the history of the Riksdag began much earlier. Here you can read about the road to democracy in 1918–1922 and subsequent developments.

Illustration: The Riksdag Administration

The Instrument of Government – 50 years

All public power in Sweden proceeds from the people and the Riksdag is the foremost representative of the people. This is stated in the Instrument of Government – the fundamental law setting out the basic principles of our democracy. The current Instrument of Government was adopted by the Riksdag on 6 March 1974. 

The Instrument of Government – 50 years

Members of the Riksdag in the First Chamber in 1905.
Photo: The Riksdag Administration

From things and assemblies to the Riksdag of today

Our modern democracy has existed for approximately one hundred years. However, the roots of Sweden's representative democracy go back further than that. The Riksdag, the Swedish Parliament of today, can be traced all the way back to the things and assemblies in the 13th century. This is the history of the Riksdag.

From things and assemblies to the Riksdag of today

The National Association for Women's Suffrage demonstrating in Gothenburg in 1918.
Photo: Signe Bergmans collection, The Riksdag Administration

The fight for the right to vote

How did Sweden become a democracy? Read more about the fight for equal suffrage and eligibility for all adult Swedes.

The fight for the right to vote

Members of the Riksdag on Slottsbacken after the opening of the Riksdag session in 1913.
Photo: The Riksdag Administration

The development of democracy in Sweden

Here you will find a time line showing some of the parliamentary decisions, motions and government bills that have shaped our democracy, in chronological order.

The development of democracy in Sweden

Member of the Riksdag in one of the chambers in the Eastern Wing of the Riksdag,
Photo: The Riksdag Administration

The longest-serving members of the Riksdag

Here you will find lists of the longest-serving members of the Riksdag since the introduction of the bicameral system in 1866.

The longest-serving members of the Riksdag

Painting of Gustaf Vasa
Photo: Jacob Vendelius/Royal Library

From royal power to people’s power - 500 years of parliament in Sweden

In June 2023, Sweden will celebrate 500 years as an independent nation. This historic event provides a point of departure for describing how our country’s form of government has developed, from the parliamentary session in Strängnäs to today’s Constitution. The Riksdag is commemorating and celebrating how Sweden’s form of government has developed, with a special emphasis on the role of the parliament and the development of its work procedures over the last 500 years.

From royal power to people's power

Happy people in clothing characteristic of the period waving flags.
Photo: Melker Dahlstrand

The Swedish Parliament celebrated democracy in 2018-2022

During a four year-long democracy centenary, the Swedish Parliament commemorated the advent of democracy in Sweden from 2018 to 2022.

The Swedish Parliament celebrated democracy in 2018-2022

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