söndag 22 juni 2014

Swedish Bicameralism 1866-1971


Sweden used to have a Riksdag of the Estates but June 22, in 1866 it had become very out of date since many of the new high status occupations were not represented, like doctors and teachers. Norway had Stortinget since 1814 where they did not devide after which part of society you came from. The Riksdag of the Estates was exchanged with bicameralism through the representation reform in 1866. The second chamber consisted of people elected by men with the right to vote while the first chamber was chosen by representatives from the counties and sertain larger towns. In this way the power would be devided and there would be no quick decisions.

The people who could vote for the first chamber were rich people and companies. Even rich women could vote. Women could not vote for the second chamber until 1921 when the rights to vote became equal for both men and women.

Until 1907-1909 there were 315 people elected, 125 for the first chamber and 190 for the second. After that there were 380 people, 150 for the first and 230 for the second. Elections were held every third year for the second and every sixth for the first. Every year a sixth of the people in the first chamber exchanged for new blood.

Both chambers held equal amount of power and could there for stop each other when laws were suggested.

In 1971 there was a change to only one chamber with 350 people elected.

Sources:
http://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tv%C3%A5kammarriksdagen

Photo in public domain

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