Omar Bennett
The Norwegian Constitution, officially known as The Constitution of the Kingdom of Norway, was adopted on 17 May 1814 and is the second oldest written constitution in the world. It was established to ensure democracy, a state based on the rule of law, and human rights. The Norwegian Constitution was inspired by the United States Declaration of Independence and the French Revolution. It outlines the country's form of government as a limited and hereditary monarchy, with executive power vested in the King or Queen. The constitution also emphasises the importance of the country's Christian and humanist heritage, freedom of religion, and equality among citizens. Over time, the constitution has undergone revisions to reflect evolving societal values, such as the separation of church and state, and the protection of human rights through the incorporation of international treaties.
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What You'll Learn
Democracy and human rights
The Norwegian Constitution was adopted on 17 May 1814 and is the second oldest written constitution in the world. It was founded on the principles of democracy and human rights.
The Constitution states that the Kingdom of Norway is a "free, independent, indivisible and inalienable realm". It also states that the country's form of government is a "limited and hereditary monarchy". The executive power is vested in the King or Queen, who must take an oath to "govern the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with its Constitution and Laws".
The Constitution has been revised and amended several times since its inception to better reflect the values of democracy and human rights. For example, in 1851 and 1897, sentences excluding Jews from the country and banning monastic orders were removed. In 1898, universal male suffrage was introduced, and in 1913, universal suffrage was achieved.
In 2014, the Storting passed the most substantial changes to the Constitution since 1814, including the addition of paragraphs on human rights. The Constitution now recognises a selection of fundamental human rights and states that it is the responsibility of the authorities of the State to respect and ensure these rights. The Constitution also incorporates important treaties on human rights, including the European Convention of Human Rights and the International Covenants on Civil, Political, Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.
The Norwegian Constitution also establishes the principle of popular sovereignty, stating that the people issue laws, grant state funding, impose taxes, and supervise the Government through the Storting. The Storting can also consent to international organisations exercising certain powers that are normally vested in the Norwegian authorities, in order to safeguard international peace, security, and cooperation.
Overall, the Norwegian Constitution has played a crucial role in establishing and protecting democracy and human rights in the country, and it continues to evolve to meet the needs of a modern society.
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The monarchy and executive power
The Norwegian Constitution, officially known as the Constitution of the Kingdom of Norway, was adopted on 16 May and signed on 17 May 1814 by the Norwegian Constituent Assembly at Eidsvoll. It is the fourth oldest written single-document national constitution in Europe.
The Kingdom of Norway is a limited and hereditary monarchy, with a mix of radical and traditional values. The Norwegian Constitution was inspired by the United States Declaration of Independence and the French Revolution, as well as the subsequent U.S. and French constitutions. However, it deviated from these republican models by retaining a monarchy. This was partly to facilitate the reunification of Denmark-Norway, which was a goal shared by the Crown Prince.
While the King's absolute veto over laws was removed, and his powers were severely curtailed, the Norwegian Constitution does vest executive power in the King. This means that the King has the authority to govern the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with its Constitution and Laws. The King undertakes the formal opening of the Storting (the Norwegian parliament) every autumn and plays a crucial role in facilitating transitions between governments. He also presides over the Council of State at the Royal Palace and is the Commander-in-Chief of the country's armed forces, holding the rank of General in the Army and Air Force, and Admiral in the Navy.
The King is required to "at all times profess the Evangelical-Lutheran religion" and must reside in the realm, with a maximum absence of six months without the council's permission, or else he automatically forfeits the Crown. The Constitution also sets out the line of succession, and if this line dies out, the Storting shall elect a new king or queen.
The King's duties are now largely ceremonial and representative. When the Constitution states that "the executive power is vested in the King", this is understood to mean that the power is vested in the Government. The King's Council plays a significant role, as the King apportions business among its members and may delegate the administration of the realm to them during his travels. The Council of State conducts the government in the King's name and on his behalf, observing the provisions of the Constitution and the King's directives.
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The role of the Storting
The Norwegian Constitution, officially known as The Constitution of the Kingdom of Norway, was adopted on 17 May 1814. It is the second oldest written constitution globally and the fourth oldest in Europe. The document establishes Norway as a free, independent, indivisible, and inalienable realm with a limited and hereditary monarchy.
The Storting is the Norwegian legislature, or parliamentary body, that plays a crucial role in upholding and amending the constitution. It is responsible for passing laws, granting state funding, imposing taxes, and supervising the government. The Storting can also express a lack of confidence in the government, leading to the resignation of the Cabinet.
The Storting has the power to consent to international organisations exercising certain powers that would normally be vested in Norwegian authorities. This requires a three-fourths majority vote and the presence of at least two-thirds of its members.
The Storting has the authority to amend the constitution, but any changes must not contradict the principles within it. Amendments require a two-thirds majority and are proposed to the first, second, or third Storting after a general election, with the final decision left to the first, second, or third Storting after the subsequent election.
The Storting also appoints the judges for the High Court of the Realm, which is warranted by the constitution and was historically used as a political tool to control the government.
In addition, the Storting ensures that the King's ordinances relating to commerce, customs, livelihoods, and the police do not conflict with the constitution or the laws passed by the Storting. It also determines the form and colours of the Norwegian flag.
The Storting has played a pivotal role in revising the constitution to reflect modern values, such as including paragraphs on human rights and separating church and state. These revisions demonstrate the Storting's commitment to adapting the constitution to meet the evolving needs of Norwegian society.
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The Council of State
The Norwegian Constitution was adopted on 17 May 1814 and is the second oldest written constitution in the world. It was founded on the principles of democracy, a state based on the rule of law, and human rights.
> The King himself chooses a Council from among Norwegian citizens who are entitled to vote. This Council shall consist of a Prime Minister and at least seven other Members. The King apportions the business among the Members of the Council of State as he deems appropriate. Under extraordinary circumstances, besides the ordinary Members of the Council of State, the King may summon other Norwegian citizens, although no Members of the Storting, to take a seat in the Council of State. Husband and wife, parent and child or two siblings may never sit at the same time in the Council of State.
Article 25 of the Norwegian Constitution states that any member of the Council of State is bound by a "duty to make strong remonstrances" against any decision by the King that conflicts with the form of government or the laws of the Realm. This Article also prescribes that all decisions made in the Council of State shall be put down in official records.
Article 5 of the Constitution states that:
> The King's person is sacred; he cannot be censured or accused. The responsibility rests with his Council.
According to the Constitution, certain cases, such as appointments and dismissals of higher office, pardons, provisional measures, church ordinances, and ratifications of treaties, must be administered by the Council of State.
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Religion and the state
The Norwegian Constitution was adopted on 17 May 1814 and is the second oldest written constitution in the world. It was inspired by the United States Declaration of Independence and the French Revolution. The Norwegian Constituent Assembly at Eidsvoll, made up of representatives elected by the congregations of the state church and military units, signed the constitution on this date, which is now celebrated as Norway's Constitution Day.
The Norwegian Constitution has been revised and amended several times since its inception. In 1851, the sentence "Jews are still prohibited from entry to the Realm" was struck out after a campaign by Norwegian poet Henrik Wergeland. In 1897, the sentence before it, "Jesuits and monastic orders are not permitted", was also removed, although the ban on Jesuits was only lifted in 1956. In 1898, universal male suffrage was introduced, and in 1913, universal suffrage.
In May 2012, a constitutional amendment was passed to separate church and state, making Norway a secular country with no official religion. This amendment was the most substantial change to the constitution since 1814. However, the Church of Norway, an Evangelical-Lutheran church, is still mentioned in the Constitution and is supported by the State. All inhabitants of the Realm have the right to the free exercise of their religion, and all religious and philosophical communities are to be supported on an equal footing.
The Constitution also outlines the role of the King in relation to the State and its religion. The King chooses and appoints, after consultation with his Council of State, all senior civil, ecclesiastical, and military officials. These officials swear or solemnly declare obedience and allegiance to the Constitution and the King. The King himself is required to take an oath: "I promise and swear that I will govern the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with its Constitution and Laws; so help me God, the Almighty and Omniscient." The King may also issue and repeal ordinances relating to commerce, customs, livelihoods, and the police, provided they do not conflict with the Constitution or laws passed by the Storting (the Norwegian legislature).
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Frequently asked questions
The purpose of the Norwegian Constitution is to ensure democracy, a state based on the rule of law, and human rights. It outlines the responsibilities and powers of the monarch, the government, and the people, and establishes Norway as a free, independent, indivisible, and inalienable realm.
The Norwegian Constitution was established on May 17, 1814, by the Constituent Assembly at Eidsvoll. It was inspired by the United States Declaration of Independence and the French Revolution.
Norwegian Constitution Day, also known as Norway's National Day, is celebrated annually on May 17. It commemorates the signing of the Constitution on May 17, 1814, marking Norway's establishment as a free and independent country.
Yes, the Norwegian Constitution has undergone several amendments and revisions since its creation in 1814. The most substantial changes were made in May 2014, with the inclusion of paragraphs on human rights. Other notable amendments include the introduction of universal suffrage, the separation of church and state, and language revisions.
The Norwegian Constitution outlines several key principles, including the following:
- Popular sovereignty: The people have the power to issue laws, grant state funding, impose taxes, and supervise the government through the Storting.
- Separation of powers: The Constitution vests judicial power in the Supreme Courts, subordinate courts, and the Court of Impeachment.
- Human rights: The Constitution guarantees the free exercise of religion and includes provisions for the implementation of human rights treaties.
- Executive power: The King or Queen holds executive power, but their resolutions are adopted in consultation with the Council of State.
- National unity: The Constitution promotes national unity by establishing a single national language and outlining the form and colors of the Norwegian flag.
