Formannskapsdistrikt

Formannskapsdistrikt (Urban East Norwegian: [ˈfɔ̂rmɑnskɑːpsdɪˌstrɪkt]) was the name of a Norwegian self-governing municipality. The name was used from the establishment these municipalities in 1838 until the name fell out of use in 1863.

The municipalities had their legal basis from two laws enacted on 14 January 1837. The laws established two types of formannskapsdistrikt; one for cities (Norwegian: kjøpstad) and one for rural districts (Norwegian: landdistrikt). These districts were mostly based on the former parishes. City municipalities had a monopoly on trade in both the municiality and for surrounding districts.

Each district was to elect two councils that governed the municipality. The upper council was called formannskap and the lower council was called representantskap. The chariman of this council also represented the municipality at the county level.

The destinction between cities and rural districts existed until it was gradually replaced by 1995. Formannskap is still used as name of the most important council in Norwegian municipalities.

In total, 396 municipalities were created under these laws.