stjórnskrá

Stjórnskrá is an Icelandic term that translates to "constitution" in English. It refers to the fundamental set of principles and laws that govern the organization and operation of a state. A stjórnskrá outlines the structure of government, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and the relationship between different branches of power. In Iceland, the current stjórnskrá is the Act on the Constitution of Iceland, which came into effect in 1944.

The Icelandic stjórnskrá establishes Iceland as a parliamentary republic with a president as the head of state. It delineates the powers of the Althing, the Icelandic parliament, as well as the government and the judiciary. Key provisions include guarantees of fundamental human rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. The stjórnskrá also details the electoral system and the process for amending the constitution itself, which requires a supermajority vote in the Althing followed by a national referendum.

The development of Iceland's stjórnskrá has been influenced by historical events and evolving political thought. The 1944 constitution was adopted following Iceland's declaration of independence from Denmark. Discussions about potential reforms and modernizations of the stjórnskrá have occurred periodically throughout Iceland's history, reflecting a desire to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in governing the nation.