Articles & Reviews - Icelandic Parliament
Icelandic Parliament
Althingi, Iceland's parliament, was established in 930, marking the beginning of an independent nation-state in Iceland. It is the world's oldest existing national assembly. Its main objective was to set new laws and rule on judicial matters but without any central executive body, making this republican government system unique at that time.
From 930 to 1798 Althingi convened annually at Thingvellir around mid June, usually for 1-2 weeks, attracting chieftains, farmers, merchants, craftsmen and travellers. From the assembly's centre point the Law Speaker recited current laws, the public was addressed on important matters and controversial issues were settled.
In 1262-1264, when Iceland pledged allegiance to the Norwegian crown, Althingi endorsed its executive power to the king but maintained its legislative authority. Later Iceland came under the power of the Danish kingdom and (in 1662) endorsed its independence and legislative authority to the Danish king, leaving only judicial power to the national assembly.
Althingi continued its role until 1800 when it was abolished. 44 years later, it was revived for advisory purposes only by the king's decree. In 1874, Althingi regained legislative authority on domestic matters and taxation rights when Iceland obtained its first Constitution.
In 1918, Iceland was recognized as an independent and sovereign state within the kingdom of Denmark. Althingi obtained full legislative authority but left foreign affairs to the Danish crown. In 1940, this political connection broke and the Icelandic government took over foreign affairs and guard of Iceland's territorial waters. In 1944 The Republic of Iceland was established and since then, Althingi has been the nation's highest institute of legislative authority.
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Althingi, Iceland's parliament, was established in 930, marking the beginning of an independent nation-state in Iceland. It is the world's oldest existing national assembly. Its main objective was to set new laws and rule on judicial matters but without any central executive body, making this republican government system unique at that time.
From 930 to 1798 Althingi convened annually at Thingvellir around mid June, usually for 1-2 weeks, attracting chieftains, farmers, merchants, craftsmen and travellers. From the assembly's centre point the Law Speaker recited current laws, the public was addressed on important matters and controversial issues were settled.
In 1262-1264, when Iceland pledged allegiance to the Norwegian crown, Althingi endorsed its executive power to the king but maintained its legislative authority. Later Iceland came under the power of the Danish kingdom and (in 1662) endorsed its independence and legislative authority to the Danish king, leaving only judicial power to the national assembly.
Althingi continued its role until 1800 when it was abolished. 44 years later, it was revived for advisory purposes only by the king's decree. In 1874, Althingi regained legislative authority on domestic matters and taxation rights when Iceland obtained its first Constitution.
In 1918, Iceland was recognized as an independent and sovereign state within the kingdom of Denmark. Althingi obtained full legislative authority but left foreign affairs to the Danish crown. In 1940, this political connection broke and the Icelandic government took over foreign affairs and guard of Iceland's territorial waters. In 1944 The Republic of Iceland was established and since then, Althingi has been the nation's highest institute of legislative authority.
© NETIÐ markaðs- og rekstrarráðgjöf | All rights reserved
Til baka
Prenta 
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