The occupation years of 1940-45 were an unprecedented time, and a turning point in Norwegian history. The Constitution, representation of the people and the powers of the state were put out of action.

Nazi Germany’s invasion of Norway on 9th April 1940 put the Storting out of action. The Elverum Authorization empowered the Government “to safeguard the interests of the realm” until the Storting was next able to sit.