The Storting represents the ultimate expression of the sovereignty of the Norwegian people. Through the Storting, it is the people who govern the country, introduce legislation, authorize public spending, impose taxes and control the work of the Government.

There are 169 elected Members of the Storting. Parliamentary elections take place every four years. There are no by-elections, nor is there any constitutional provision to dissolve the Storting between elections.

The system of parliamentary rule means that it is the Storting that determines the composition of the Norwegian Government. It is also the decision of the Storting to decide whether or not to initiate a referendum on a particular issue.

The main functions of the Storting are to

• pass new legislation, and amend and repeal existing legislation,
• determine annual state revenues and expenditures by considering and adopting the Fiscal Budget,
• supervise the Government and public administration,
• authorize plans and guidelines for the activities of the State and debate broader domestic and foreign policy issues.