Editing Althing (section)

=== Monarchy: 1262–1800 ===
When the [[Icelanders]] submitted to the authority of the [[Haakon IV|Norwegian king]] under the terms of the "[[Old Covenant (Iceland)|Old Covenant]]" ({{lang|is|Gamli sáttmáli}}) in 1262, the function of the Althing changed. The organization of the [[Icelandic Commonwealth|Commonwealth]] came to an end and the rule of the country by {{lang|is|goðar}} ceased. Executive power now rested with the king and his officials, the Royal Commissioners ({{lang|is|hirðstjórar}}) and District Commissioners ({{lang|is|sýslumenn}}). As before, the {{lang|is|Lögrétta|italic=no}}, now comprising 36 members, continued to be its principal institution and shared formal legislative power with the king. Laws adopted by the {{lang|is|Lögrétta|italic=no}} were subject to [[royal assent]] and, conversely, if the king initiated legislation, the Althing had to give its consent. The Lawspeaker was replaced by two legal administrators, called {{lang|is|lögmenn}}.

Towards the end of the 14th century, royal succession brought both [[Norway]] and Iceland under the control of the [[Danish monarchy]]. With the introduction of [[absolute monarchy]] in Denmark, the Icelanders relinquished their autonomy to the Crown, including the right to initiate and consent to legislation. After that, the Althing served almost exclusively as a court of law until the year 1800.<ref name="ath"/>