{ Adopted: 1 Jan 1975 / Status: 1989 }
Article 1
(1) All public power in Sweden proceeds from the people.
(2) Swedish democracy is founded on freedom of opinion and
on universal and equal suffrage. It shall be realized through
a representative and parliamentary polity and through local
self-government.
(3) Public power shall be exercised under the law.
Article 2
(1) Public power shall be exercised with respect for the equal
worth of all and for the freedom and dignity of the
individual.
(2) The personal, economic and cultural welfare of the
individual shall be fundamental aims of public activity. In
particular, it shall be incumbent upon the public administration
to secure the right to work, housing and education, and to
promote social care and social security and a good living
environment.
(3) The public administration shall promote the ideals of
democracy as guidelines in all sectors of society. The public
administration shall guarantee equal rights to men and women
and protect the private and family lives of the individual.
(4) Opportunities should be promoted for ethnic, linguistic and
religious minorities to preserve and develop a cultural and
social life of their own.
Article 3
The Instrument of Government, the Act of Succession and the
Freedom of the Press Act are the fundamental laws of the
Realm.
Article 4
(1) The Parliament is the foremost representative of the people.
(2) The Parliament enacts the laws, determines taxes and
decides how public funds shall be used. The Parliament shall
examine the government and administration of the country.
Article 5
(1) The King or Queen who occupies the throne of Sweden in
accordance with the Act of Succession shall be the Head of
State.
(2) The provisions of this Instrument of Government which
relate to the King shall relate also to the Queen if she is the
Head of State.
Article 6
The Government rules the country. It is responsible to the
Parliament.
Article 7
(1) There are primary and regional local government communes
in Sweden. The decision-making power in the communes is
exercised by elected assemblies.
(2) The communes may levy taxes in order to perform their
tasks.
Article 8
Courts of law exist for the administration of justice, and central
and local government administrative authorities exist for the
public administration.
Article 9
Courts, public authorities and others performing functions
within the public administration shall observe in their work the
equality of all persons before the law and shall maintain
objectivity and impartiality.