Like most other democracies, Sweden has a written Constitution which sets out the rules for how society shall be governed. The Constitution therefore has a special position in society.
The Constitution consists of four fundamental laws: the Instrument of Government, the Act of Succession, the Freedom of the Press Act and the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression. The Riksdag Act is not one of the fundamental laws but occupies a position between a fundamental law and an ordinary law.
The fundamental laws take precedence over all other laws. This means that other laws may never conflict with the provisions of the fundamental laws.
To read the full text of the laws click the links in the left-hand column.