Politics and Religion Flashcards
1
Q
The Constitution
A
- 17th May 1814 (rev. Nov. 4th)
- Supreme legal document (Contract between government and people)
- Inspired by American French constitution (principle of popular sovereignity, division of power, civil rights, freedom of speech)
- Shift from absolutist monarchy to national sovereignity
- Modern but similiar to other constitutions of the time
- Still limitations (Ban of minorities like jews, only 10% could vote, no meetings for political discussions)
2
Q
The Monarchy
A
- Re-established in 1905
- Legitimized by means of democracy in 1905
- No real political power sine 1884
- Symbolic tasks and representative
- Modest lifestyle compared to other monarchies
3
Q
Parlimentary System
A
- Parlimentarism since 1884
- Government depends on the confidence of Storting
- Members elected by proportional representation for 4-year periods
4
Q
The executive branch
A
- King formally highest executive aauthority, in practice government (prime minister + cabinet)
- Current government: Labour+Centre
- Prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Labour)
5
Q
The judicial branch
A
- Supreme court (in Oslo)
- Courts of appeal (6)
- District court (23)
6
Q
The political parties
A
- The Nordic Party Model: Large social democratic party + small left wing radical socialist party + conservative party+ farmers party + liberal party
7
Q
The oil income problem
A
- Large combined income
- Only 3% can be used, otherwise mainland industry would be ruined
- Typical problems: Declining production, future of fossil fuels
8
Q
International relations
A
- NATO founding state
- New process of finding position between EU, US and Russia
- Strong commited to UN
9
Q
The EU question
A
- Two referendum outcomes: No
- Socioal groups who think they will NOT benefit are stronger (Farmers can’t compete, fishers don’t need more and don’t want to share waters)
- No crisis that needs to be solved
- EEA member
- Might change with unstable security
10
Q
Christianity in Norway
A
- Christian country (King, constitution, cross on flag)
- State and church seperated in 2012
- State contribute financially to religious and humanist organizations
- About 70% part of church
- Shift to privatized/individualized religion
- About half of new borns is baptized
- Young people generally less religious
11
Q
Religious pluralism
A
- About 7% non christian religion (Muslims, Buddists, Hindus, Sikhs, …)
- Labor immigrants, refugees
- Non-christian religions are increasing in numbers and importance
- Religious plurality/diversity in future seems likely
12
Q
Industries
A
- 1950: 20% of workers farmers and 100 000 fishers
- Now <2% farmers, 11 000 fishers, yet more gain
- 20% work in secundary industry
