The Storting in its present form was first constituted at Eidsvoll in 1814, although its origins can be traced back to the allting or common assemblies as early as the 9th century. The alltings were localised assemblies charged with discussing legal and political matters. These gradually were formalised so that the tings, or assemblies, grew into regionalised meetings and acquired backing and authority from the crown, even to the extent that on occasions they were instrumental in effecting change in the monarchy itself.
As Norway became unified as a geopolitical entity in the 10th century the lagtings were established as superior regional assemblies. The archaic regional assemblies, the Frostating, the Gulating and the Eidsivating were amalgamated and the corpus of law was setdown under the command of King Magnus Lagabøte during the mid 13th century. This jurisdiction remained significant until King Frederick III of Denmark and Norway proclaimed absolute monarchy in 1660; this was ratified by the passage of the King Act of 1665, and this became the constitution of the Union of Denmark and Norway and remained so until 1814 and the foundation of the Storting.
Officially, the Storting is unicameral, with 165 members, but elects 41 members (a quarter of its membership) to form an upper house or Lagting, with the remaining 121 members or three quarters forming the Odelsting or lower house. Bills are submitted by the Government to the Odelsting first, having been considered by a Standing Committee, and subject to hearings. Only then are they then sent to the Lagting for review or revision. If the Odelsting approves the Lagting amendments, then the bill is signed into law by the King. If it does not, then the bill returns to the Lagting. If still no agreement is reached, the Odelsting submits the bill to a plenary session of the Storting. In order to be passed, the bill must have the approval of two thirds majority of the plenary session.
A similar system operated in Iceland until 1991.
History
Qualified Unicameralism
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