Politics of Norway - Constitutional Development

Constitutional Development

The Norwegian constitution, signed by the Eidsvoll assembly on 17 May 1814, transformed Norway from being an absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy. The 1814 constitution granted rights such as freedom of speech (§100) and rule of law (§§ 96, 97, 99). Important amendments include:

• November 4, 1814: Constitution reenacted in order to form a personal union with the king of Sweden.
• 1851: Constitutional prohibition against admission of Jews lifted.
• 1884: Parliamentarism has evolved since 1884 and entails that the cabinet must not have the parliament against it (an absence of mistrust, but an express of support is not necessary), and that the appointment by the King is a formality when there is a clear parliamentary majority. This parliamentary rule has the status of constitutional custom. All new laws are passed and all new governments are therefore formed de jure by the King, although not de facto. After elections resulting in no clear majority, the King appoints the new government de facto.
• 1887: Prohibition against monastic orders lifted.
• 1898: Universal male suffrage established.
• 1905: Union with Sweden dissolved.
• 1913: Universal suffrage established.
• 1956: Religious freedom formalised. Prohibition against Jesuits lifted.
• 2004: New provision on freedom of expression, replacing the old § 100.
• 2007: Removed the old system of division into the Odelsting and Lagting (took effect after the 2009 general election). Changes to the Court of Impeachment. Parliamentary system now part of the Constitution (previously this was only a constitutional custom) (new § 15).