Norway
Constitutional Background
Norway is a constitutional monarchy known for its ancient constitution. The state is not a member of the EU; membership initiatives have failed in two referendums. The secularization of the State in 2012 still kept some provisions about the special position of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church as Norway's Church (§ 16).
History and News
- 2012: Constitution amended: Separation of church and state; it is no longer required that half of the members of parliament be members of the Norwegian Church.
- 2006: Constitution amended: Parliament changes from bicameral to unicameral system.
- 1990: Constitution amended.
- 1905: Independence from Sweden. Constitution amended.
- 1897: Constitution amended: Prohibition of Jesuits and Monastic orders is abolished.
- 1884: Constitution amended: Establishment of Parliamentarism (supremacy of the Storting over the governing Council).
- 1851: Constitution amended: Jews are no longer prohibited from entering the Realm.
- 17 May 1814: Constitution adopted, following the defeat of Napoleon.