Sweden (Until 1544)

Until 1544, Sweden operated under a system known as elective monarchy, meaning that kings were not automatically inherited but chosen through elections. This allowed nobility and influential figures to select a ruler based on merit or support rather than birthright. The process was often influenced by political alliances and power struggles. In this period, Sweden faced internal conflicts and external threats, which shaped the monarchy's evolution. The election of Gustav Vasa in 1523 marked a significant turning point, leading to a more centralized and hereditary monarchy, ultimately changing the landscape of Swedish governance.