36 Denmark Government Facts: History, Structure & Much More!

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy.

The monarch, or queen, is the formal head of state. The prime minister and cabinet ministers are appointed by the monarch.

The Parliament of Denmark, or the Danish Parliament, is known as the Folketing in Danish. It is located in Christiansborg Palace in central Copenhagen. It shares its power with the monarch and is responsible for passing laws, approving the cabinet, finalizing budgets and accounts of the state, and supervising the work of the government.

The Kingdom of Denmark encompasses Denmark, located in northern Europe, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland. The Faroe Islands and Greenland are also represented in the Danish Parliament, although they have their own governments.

It is a Scandinavian country that shares its borders with Sweden and Norway. In addition, to its neighbors, Denmark also has strong ties with the Nordic countries of Finland and Iceland. Denmark is made up of more than a 100 islands, but not all of them are inhabited.

The national language of this country is Danish. Denmark observes Constitution Day on June 5. The World Bank has classified the Danish economy as a high-income economy. The country is divided into five regions. These regions are responsible for their own hospitals and healthcare.

Denmark is a founding member of many key organizations, including the Nordic Council and NATO. It joined the European Union in 1973, along with Britain and Ireland. The Danish Parliament determines the fundamental principles of foreign policy. All Danish foreign policy and decisions regarding foreign policy need to be approved by Parliament.

Did you know the world's first environment minister was Danish? Also, punctuality is a big deal in Denmark. The nation is very advanced in terms of equality. Denmark appointed the world's first female minister.

In 1864, Denmark lost a lot of the land it controlled during the Second Schleswig War. Hence, it had a policy of neutrality, which means it did not take part in or support countries that engaged in war. However, after World War Two, it became a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Did you know that Denmark has had a very close relationship with the United States? The largest July 4 celebrations outside the US are held here. This is because, in the late 1800s, many Danes left their country for America.

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Monarchy In Denmark

Born on April 16, 1940, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark has been the Queen Regnant and head of state since January 1972. The monarchy in Denmark is the oldest in Europe.

The monarchy, which was begun by Gorm the Old in 935, has undergone many changes. It was originally an elective system. In the 17th century, it became a hereditary monarchy, and finally, in the 19th century, a constitutional monarchy.

Did you know the eldest grandson of Queen Margrethe, Prince Nikolai, is a model? He has modeled for designers such as Kim Jones and at London Fashion Week in 2018.

In keeping with the Danish Constitution, the Danish monarchy is the theoretical source of executive and legislative powers. However, parliamentary sovereignty was introduced in 1901.

In order for a bill to become a law, it needs to be signed by the queen and by a government minister. The queen can also choose and dismiss the Prime Minister.

However, the dismissal of the Prime Minister is very rare as it would result in a constitutional crisis. King Christian X was the last monarch to exercise this power.

The royal prerogative, which includes all royal powers such as the ability to declare war or make peace, and the patronage to appoint ministers, is exercised by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet after consent from the Queen.

When the party leaders are called to a conference of deliberation to form a new government, it is known as 'dronningerunde' which means 'queen’s round'. After consulting with ministers and being advised by them, the queen then appoints the leader of the majority party to commence negotiations to form the new government.

The queen’s role is mainly ceremonial, but she has the right to be consulted, she can give advice, and she also has the right to warn. Due to these rights, the Prime Minister and his cabinet of ministers attend meetings of the Council of State, chaired by the Queen.

The Constitutional Act of Denmark, signed by King Frederik VII, changed the way Denmark was governed. It became a constitutional monarchy.

Political Parties

10 political parties are represented in the Danish Parliament, with three more qualifying for the 2019 general elections. However, they did not win any seats.

In this multi-party structure, the four oldest and most influential parties are the Conservative People’s Party, the Social Democrats, the Social Liberal Party, and Venstre. However, younger parties such as the Danish People’s Party and the Red-Green Alliance are, however, fast gaining popularity and votes. In June 2019, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) became the largest party in Parliament.

The organizational hierarchy of these parties varies. However, they all have an annual convention at which manifestos are approved. It is also at the convention that party chairmen, an assembly of representatives, and a board of leaders are elected.

Members of the Danish Social Democrats, the Liberal Party, the Danish People's Party, the Social Liberal Party, the Socialist People's Party, the Red-Green Alliance, the Conservative Party, the Alternative, the New Right, and the Liberal Alliance are currently active in Danish politics.

Did you know that since the beginning of the 20th century, no single party has held a majority in the Danish Parliament? Mette Frederiksen is Denmark's current Prime Minister. She was elected in 2019.

Legislature In Denmark

Legislative power in Denmark is made up of the Danish government and Parliament.

Parliament is known as the 'Folketing' and is a multi-party system. If no single political party has enough votes to rule on its own, then several parties come together to form a coalition. The current government, the Social Democratic Party, was formed on June 27, 2019.

Denmark has most often been ruled by a coalition government, which by themselves are minority governments. Since 1909, Denmark has been ruled by coalition governments. Elections take place every four years, although, the prime minister can call an election at any time.

There are two seats in the Danish Parliament reserved for representatives from the Faroe Islands and two for those from Greenland. In Denmark, all citizens over the age of 18 who live in the country and are capable of managing their own affairs can vote. Voters who have not been convicted of criminal acts can also stand for elections.

The constitution of 1849 set up Denmark's legislature into two houses, the Folketing, or lower house of commoners, and the Landstinget, or the upper house of lords, industrialists, and landowners. This system is known as a bicameral parliament.

Through a constitutional reform in 1901, the lower house became the majority essential chamber, and hence, in 1953, the upper house was abolished.

One of the parliamentary privileges enjoyed by members of parliament is that they enjoy immunity. This means that no criminal charges can be brought against them unless they are caught in the act.

Did you know that the Folketing considers about 200-300 bills that are proposed? These bills are mostly prepared by the heads of various ministries. However, members of Parliament can also bring forward bills. These proposals are discussed by standing committees. Scholars, experts, and interest group representatives could also be consulted before Parliament decides on the bill.

The Finance Bill, which is the basis of the annual budget of Denmark, is also placed before Parliament. Parliament is also responsible for approving citizenship. New citizens are put into groups of 1,000 or more to be approved.

Did you know that the Danish government keeps a preapproved list of about 7000 names for children?

Statutory Body: Denmark Government

The 1849 Constitutional Act sets out the framework for democracy in Denmark. It also lists the citizens' rights and freedoms. This Act also limits the powers of the Monarch.

The Constitutional Act prevents the abuse of power by dividing it into three branches. The legislative power that creates the laws, the government, which is the executive power, and the courts, which is the judiciary.

This Constitutional Act of Denmark is among the oldest in the world and has been amended a few times. Amendments to the Constitutional Act need to be approved by the citizens of the country and Parliament.

However, as the wording of the Constitutional Act is very general, it is still applicable today, even after 160 years since it was first passed. The present form of the Constitutional Act dates from June 5th, 1953. This is also observed as Constitution Day.

On Constitution Day, the citizens of the country celebrate the many freedoms that they enjoy, including freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. Denmark is one of the most liberal countries in the world.

Did you know that in 1989, Denmark was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex civil partnerships? Same-sex couples can also adopt children in this country. The Constitutional Act has 89 sections in 11 chapters. The Constitutional Act also instructs on the rights of those that have been accused of a crime.

Did you know that it is illegal to burn foreign flags in Denmark? Also, Dannebrog's flag is the oldest national flag in the world.

The ministry of foreign affairs in Denmark focuses on sustainable and inclusive economic growth and employment creation. The Constitutional Act of Denmark mentions that the government must discuss matters of importance with the foreign affairs ministry.

Danish democracy focuses on citizens' rights. The Danish government believes that citizens living with freedom, security, and dignity will be creative, effective, and compassionate. This is also the foundation for ensuring low crime rates!

Did you know that Danish citizens are said to be the happiest in the world? This United Nations Happiness ranking was based on the standards of health, welfare, and education in the country. However, the Danes also pay one of the highest rates of income tax in the world. But most services, such as healthcare and education, are subsidized.

Did you know that the Danes have an unofficial law known as Janteloven by which everyone is treated as equal? It is an important part of the culture of the people. Also, Denmark is considered to be among the least corrupt countries in the world.

Danish democracy is one of the world's most successful democracies. Most Danish people are happy to pay their taxes, and Denmark is one of the least corrupt countries in the world.

No wonder the people here are so happy!

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