ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an analysis of the way in which information was gathered and utilized at the Swedish Diet during the Age of Liberty (1719-72), especially from the point of view of the Burghers. The right to participate at the Diet was at the time essential for the subjects since it dealt with all-important questions concerning society, policy and the economy. The Swedish Diet was the forum for political decision-making and thus an institution which had practical power. However, this state of affairs caused difficulties in maintaining the sovereignty and independence of the realm and allowed foreign countries to intervene in Swedish politics. Although the system offered a breeding ground for various kinds of malpractice, like bribery and the advancement of self-interest, its laws were solid, and it worked efficiently.1
