Parliament of Sweden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parliament of SwedenSveriges riksdag |
|
|---|---|
Three Crowns
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| Type | |
| Type |
Unicameral legislature
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| Leadership | |
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Speaker
|
Per Westerberg, (m)
Since 2 October 2006 |
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First Deputy Speaker
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Susanne Eberstein, (s)
Since 2010 |
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Second Deputy Speaker
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Ulf Holm, (mp)
Since 2010 |
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Third Deputy Speaker
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Jan Ertsborn, (fp)
Since 2012 |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 349 |
 |
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|
Political groups
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Government
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| Elections | |
| Party-list proportional representation Sainte-Laguë method See Elections in Sweden |
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Last election
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19 September 2010 |
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Next election
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14 September 2014 |
| Meeting place | |
 |
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| Parliament House Helgeandsholmen Stockholm, 100 12 Kingdom of Sweden |
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| Website | |
| http://www.riksdagen.se | |
The Parliament of Sweden (called Sveriges riksdag in Swedish) is the main law-making body in Sweden. It helps run the country. The parliament building is located in Stockholm, the capital city. It sits on an island called Helgeandsholmen.
The Parliament of Sweden has 349 members. These members are like representatives for the people of Sweden. They work together to make important decisions.
Contents
What the Parliament Does
The Parliament of Sweden has several important jobs. Its main role is to make laws for the country. It also decides how the government spends money. This is called setting the national budget.
How Laws Are Made
When a new law is needed, the government or a member of parliament suggests an idea. This idea is called a bill. The parliament members discuss the bill. They vote on it to decide if it should become a law.
Controlling the Government
The parliament also checks on the government. It makes sure the government is doing its job well. If the parliament doesn't agree with the government, it can vote to remove the prime minister or a minister.
Members and Elections
The 349 members of the Swedish Parliament are called Members of Parliament, or MPs. They are chosen by the people of Sweden in elections.
How Members Are Chosen
Elections for the Parliament of Sweden happen every four years. They are usually held in September. When you turn 18 in Sweden, you get to vote for the people you want to represent you in parliament.
One Chamber System
For a long time, from 1867 to 1971, the Swedish Parliament had two separate groups, or "chambers." But since 1971, it has had only one chamber. This means all 349 members work together in one main group.
Where the Parliament Meets
The main building where the Parliament of Sweden meets is called the Parliament House. It is a large, important building in the heart of Stockholm.
The Parliament House
The Parliament House is on the island of Helgeandsholmen. This island is in the middle of Stockholm. The building has been the home of the parliament for many years. It is where all the important debates and votes happen.
Images for kids
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The Old Parliament House on Riddarholmen was used from 1833 to 1905.
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Kulturhuset was a temporary home for the Riksdag from 1971 to 1983. This was while the main building was being fixed up.
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This chart shows how seats in the Swedish Riksdag were shared among parties from 1902 to 2018.
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Some parliament offices are in other buildings, like this one which used to be the Royal Mint.
See also
In Spanish: Riksdag para niños
