Council of State (Norway)

However, historical developments such as the introduction of parliamentarism in 1884 and evolving constitutional tradition have altered the King's role, meaning that the Prime Minister, holding the leadership of a political party enjoying electoral support, is the de facto head of government.

The members making up the Council of State require the confidence of the Norwegian legislative body, known as the Storting.

In practice, this means that the function, authority and mandate of the Council of State is heavily influenced by long-standing conventions.

According to the Constitution, certain cases, such as appointments and dismissals of higher office, pardons, provisional measures, church ordinances and ratifications of treaties must be administered by the Council of State.

Whilst not prescribed in the Constitution, the signing of bills and other regulations into law is the most important feature of the work being conducted during sessions of the Council of State.

For the same reason, the aforesaid Article prescribes that all of the decisions made in the Council of State shall be put down in official records.

The King established on 1 July 1993 an Order of precedence to direct seating and ranking on formal occasions.