Politics of Denmark

Government

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy with an almost unbroken link of monarchs for more than 1,000 years (except for an interregnum of eight years from 1332 to 1340). The current monarch, Queen Margaret II, has largely ceremonial functions; perhaps her most significant formal power lies in her right to appoint the prime minister (Statsminister) and the cabinet of Denmark, who are responsible for administration of the government. However, she must consult with parliamentary leaders to determine the public's will, since the cabinet may be dismissed by a vote of no confidence in the Folketing, the Danish parliament. Cabinet members are occasionally recruited from outside the Folketing.

Related Topics:
Denmark - Constitutional monarchy - Almost unbroken link of monarchs - 1332 - 1340 - Queen Margaret II - Prime minister - Cabinet of Denmark - Vote of no confidence - Folketing

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Between 1849 and 1953, the Folketing was a house of a bicameral Rigsdag, the other house being the Landsting, which was indirectly elected. However, the 1953 Constitution established a unicameral Folketing of not more than 179 members, of whom two are elected from the Faroe Islands and two from Greenland. Elections are held at least every four years, but the prime minister can dissolve the Folketing at any time and call for new elections. Folketing members are elected by a complicated system of proportional representation; any party receiving at least 2% of the total national vote receives representation. The result is a multiplicity of parties (seven currently in parliament), the largest of which received 29% of the votes (as of 2005). Electorate participation lies normally above 85%.

Related Topics:
1849 - 1953 - Bicameral - Rigsdag - Landsting - 1953 Constitution - Unicameral - Faroe Islands - Greenland - As of 2005

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Denmark is divided into 14 counties, known as amter, and 275 municipalities, known as kommuner. The chief official of the amt, the county mayor (amtsborgmester), is elected by the county council from among its members, according to the municipal reform of 1970. The city of Copenhagen and the enclosed town of Frederiksberg function as both counties and municipalities.

Related Topics:
Amter - Kommuner - 1970 - Copenhagen - Frederiksberg

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Faroe Islands and Greenland enjoy home rule, with the Danish Government represented locally by a high commissioner (rigsombudsmand). These home-rule governments are responsible for most domestic affairs, with foreign relations, monetary affairs, and defence falling to the Danish Government.

Related Topics:
Home rule - High commissioner

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~