Three hypotheses are presented in this article, each supported by observations and theory. The first is that party distinctions in Scandinavian politics have ceased to be vehicles for coherent ideas related to political ideologies, but that parties instead have become machines to stay in power and keep supporters employed. The second is that the tradition among political parties in Scandinavia and especially in Sweden for accepting federalist measures as a response to central state inefficiencies has been checked by the development of the welfare state. It can only regain momentum through external pressure. The third is that the Scandinavia welfare state model has shifted from one of providing support to the needy to a party guaranteeing the middle class a certain life-style.