Löggjafarsamkoma

Löggjafarsamkoma is the term used in Icelandic to denote a legislative assembly or parliament—the body responsible for making laws within a constitutional framework. In general, a löggjafarsamkoma debates proposed legislation, votes on laws, and approves the national budget. It may also have powers to amend the constitution, approve international treaties, and supervise or hold the government to account through mechanisms such as questions, motions of no confidence, and inquiries. The exact competences and the balance of power between the legislature and the executive vary by country and constitutional order. Legislative bodies typically operate through committees, public sessions, and a process of multiple readings before a bill becomes law.

In Iceland, the löggjafarsamkoma is known as Alþingi. It is one of the oldest continuous parliamentary institutions in the world, traditionally founded in 930 at Þingvellir and now based in Reykjavík. Alþingi is a unicameral parliament comprising 63 members elected for four-year terms through proportional representation. The body works via standing committees, debates, and a speaker who presides over sessions. Its core functions include drafting and passing laws, approving the state budget, and overseeing the government. Through parliamentary procedures, Alþingi can scrutinize government policy, call ministers to account, and influence the legislative agenda.

Overall, löggjafarsamkoma denotes the primary law-making authority in many constitutional systems, serving as the forum where representatives deliberate public policy, balance government power, and shape the legal framework of the state.