Regeringsform, Grunnlov, Grundlov: Written Constitutions in Scandinavia in the 19th Century
Regeringsform, Grunnlov, Grundlov: Written Constitutions in Scandinavia in the 19th Century

Summary/Abstract: This study focuses on the 19th century developments of the constitutional history of the Nordic countries, beginning with the new Swedish Instrument of Government of 1809 that primarily intended to restore the balance between the King and the old Parliament, however in many aspects it was an important step towards a constitutional monarchy. The famous Norwegian Constitution of 1814 which is still in force, was rather a product of the modern constitutional thought, based on the concept of separation of powers, influenced by the Constitution of the United States as well. The Constitution of Denmark of 1849 meant the end of almost two centuries of absolute monarchy. Similarly to the perfection of the Royal Law of 1665 that established royal absolutism in Denmark, the new Constitution established very accurately the institutions of a modern liberal democracy supported by guarantees, protecting fundamental rights and creating an almost universal male suffrage. These three Scandinavian constitutions of the 19th century were definitely milestones on the road of parliamentarism, making Denmark, Norway and Sweden model countries of the constitutional monarchy.

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