The New Icelandic Constitution: A Comprehensive Overview

The New Icelandic Constitution, adopted in 1944, is the supreme law of the Republic of Iceland. It replaced the Old Constitution of 1874, which had been in force since Iceland became a separate kingdom under Danish rule. The New Constitution established Iceland as a republic and set out the fundamental rights and freedoms of its citizens.

The Constitution has been amended several times over the years, but its basic structure and principles remain the same. It is a relatively short document, consisting of only 70 articles, but it covers a wide range of topics, from the powers of the government to the rights of individuals. It is a reflection of the Icelandic people's commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Historical Background

The history of the Icelandic Constitution can be traced back to the Middle Ages. In 1262, the Icelandic Commonwealth was established, and the Althing, the world's oldest parliamentary assembly, was founded. The Commonwealth was a self-governing republic, but it was under the sovereignty of the Norwegian king.

In 1380, Iceland came under the rule of the Danish king. The Danish kings gradually eroded the powers of the Althing, and by the 17th century, Iceland had become a Danish colony.

In the 19th century, there was a growing movement for Icelandic independence. In 1843, the Althing was reestablished, and in 1874, Iceland was granted home rule by the Danish king. The Old Constitution of 1874 established Iceland as a constitutional monarchy, with the Danish king as head of state.

During World War II, Iceland was occupied by British and American troops. In 1944, a referendum was held on whether Iceland should become a republic. The vote was overwhelmingly in favor of independence, and the New Icelandic Constitution was adopted on June 17, 1944.

Structure of the Constitution

The New Icelandic Constitution is divided into 10 chapters, which are further divided into 70 articles.

• Chapter 1: General Provisions
• Chapter 2: Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
• Chapter 3: The President
• Chapter 4: The Althing
• Chapter 5: The Government
• Chapter 6: The Judiciary
• Chapter 7: Local Government
• Chapter 8: Finances
• Chapter 9: Amendments
• Chapter 10: Transitional Provisions

Key Provisions of the Constitution

The Icelandic Constitution contains a number of key provisions, including:

• Article 1: Iceland is a republic.
• Article 2: The people are the source of all authority in Iceland.
• Articles 3-23: Fundamental rights and freedoms of the people, including the right to life, liberty, and property; the right to freedom of speech, religion, and assembly; and the right to a fair trial.
• Articles 24-28: Provisions concerning the President, including his or her powers and duties.
• Articles 29-53: Provisions concerning the Althing, including its powers and duties.
• Articles 54-61: Provisions concerning the Government, including its powers and duties.
• Articles 62-67: Provisions concerning the Judiciary, including its powers and duties.
• Articles 68-70: Provisions concerning local government, finances, and amendments.

The Icelandic Constitution is a landmark document that has shaped the nation's governance and protected the rights of its citizens. It is a testament to the Icelandic people's commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

The Constitution has served Iceland well for over 75 years, and it is likely to continue to do so for many years to come.