Culture, development, the country's place in the modern world are determined not only by its current state and position, but also by the influence that history has had. Significant and determining historical developments in Norway are gaining independence from Denmark and the creation of the Norwegian constitution.
Norway's adoption of the main document of the state has created a truly democratic culture that emphasizes the right to vote and the cessation of hereditary power. Although the basic law of the kingdom has been amended since its creation in 1814, it remains a prerequisite for a democratic political climate in this country.
Consequences of revolutions
Like many other basic documents of European countries adopted in Europe between 1789 and 1814, the Norwegian constitution of 1814 was more or less revolutionary in nature.
The independence of the kingdom was the result of the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
The main document of the country was due to the adoption of the US Declaration of Independence of 1776 and the revolution in France in 1789. The Norwegian Constitution, which was written by Christian Magnus Falsen and Johan Gunder Adler, was also influenced by the main document of Spain in 1812.
Compared to many other constitutions adopted in 1787-1814, the Norwegian can be described as "moderately revolutionary."
Sustainability of the Norwegian Constitution
What makes the 1814 kingdom constitution truly special is that it has never been repealed in two centuries.
Almost all the constitutions adopted in Europe during those revolutionary years were repealed or underwent strong changes. Only the main documents of Norway and the United States remained more or less intact.
Constitutional changes
Strictly speaking, the Norwegian constitution, in the form in which it was adopted at Aidswall on May 17, 1814, did not last long. On November 4, 1814, the Storting voted to amend the six-month constitution.
In connection with these amendments, Norway was allowed to create its own national bank - the Bank of Norway. The Storting also voted for the Norwegian language to continue to be used in the constitution and government documents. This Norwegian constitution of November 4, 1814, prevailed for most of the 19th century.
The 1814 Norwegian Constitution was a product of its time. As Norwegian democracy developed, some parts of it began to look more and more obsolete. For example, the king initially had the right to appoint members of the council who were accountable only to him, and they could not be elected from members of the Norwegian parliament. With the establishment of parliamentarism in 1884, the council was actually elected by general election.
In the spring of 2012, the Storting adopted an important constitutional amendment - the separation of church and state. Formally, this made Norway a secular state without an official religion, while the Norwegian church is still mentioned in the constitution.
Content
The modern text of the document (as amended in 2018) consists of 121 articles, combined into chapters A to F.
The basic law of the kingdom is set out in Norwegian, in addition, there are copies in some European languages. The Norwegian Constitution in Russian can also be found if desired.
Chapter A consists of articles 1 and 2, which state that Norway is a free, independent, indivisible kingdom with a limited and hereditary monarchy. The values of the state are "the Christian and humanistic heritage, democracy and the rule of law and human rights."
Chapter B is dedicated to the king (or queen), the royal family, the Council of State and the Church of Norway. It consists of articles 3-48.
Chapter C (Articles 49-85) deals with the Storting and the rights of citizens.
Legislative power belongs to the Storting, which consists of one chamber of 169 members, who are elected every four years in free and secret elections. All citizens of the state aged 18 years and older are entitled to vote. Article 50 guarantees this right to men and women.
Chapter D (Articles 86-91) deals with the judicial system.
Chapter E (arts. 92-113) outlines various human rights.
