Stjórnarskrá

Stjórnarskrá Íslands, or the Icelandic Constitution, is the supreme law of Iceland. It defines the political order, the rights of citizens, and the structure and powers of the state. The term stjórnarskrá means “governing charter” or “constitution.” The constitution establishes the framework of government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judiciary. The Alþingi, Iceland’s parliament, is the main legislative body; the President of Iceland is the head of state with largely ceremonial duties; the Prime Minister and the Cabinet hold executive power, while judicial independence is guaranteed.

Historically, the text dates from the late 19th century, when Iceland, then under Danish rule, was granted a constitution in 1874 for limited home rule, with later reforms expanding ministerial responsibility. Iceland became a fully sovereign state in 1918 and a republic in 1944, at which time a modern constitutional framework took effect. Since then the constitution has been amended only gradually, while governance continues to be guided by a combination of constitutional provisions and ordinary laws.

In the early 2010s, Iceland launched a broad process to draft a new constitution through a constitutional council and a citizen-driven process. A draft was produced and published, but it did not replace the existing constitution; the discussions about constitutional reform continue. Today, amendments to the constitution follow the procedure set out in the document, typically requiring passage by the Alþingi in two successive terms and, in some cases, a referendum.

Stjórnarskrá Íslands remains the foundational document of Iceland’s legal order, with its interpretation shaped by court rulings, parliamentary practice, and evolving political realities.