Stjórnarskrár

Stjórnarskrár are the fundamental laws of a state, defining how the government is organized, how power is distributed among the branches of government, how elections are conducted, and which rights and freedoms are protected for individuals. They establish the framework for political authority and set out the procedures for changing the constitution itself. In many countries, the constitution is the supreme law, meaning that ordinary laws and government actions must conform to its provisions.

In Icelandic context, the term stjórnarskrá Íslands refers to the written constitution that outlines the powers and responsibilities of the Alþingi (parliament), the president as head of state, the government, and the judiciary, as well as fundamental rights and the rules governing constitutional amendments. The current constitutional framework in Iceland has its roots in the country’s transition to a republic in the 20th century and has been amended over time. There have also been discussions and proposals to revise or replace parts of the constitution, including citizen-driven initiatives in the wake of political and economic events, though such efforts have not resulted in a complete replacement of the existing document.

Common features of constitutions, including many contemporary examples, often include a preamble, a division of powers among legislative, executive, and judicial branches, a bill of rights or fundamental rights chapter, provisions on elections and political participation, and a defined process for amendments. They also contain mechanisms for resolving constitutional disputes and for addressing transitional arrangements during changes to the framework of government.