The Constitution

The Constitutional Act of Denmark from 1953 provides the framework for democracy and the constitutional state. Denmark is a monarchy; however, the Queen’s role is mostly ceremonial. Compared to the constitutions of other nations, the Danish Constitution is brief, containing simple guidelines for the interaction between government and Parliament. These rules have allowed ample room for parliamentary life to evolve with the times. The few rules about the legislative process include a number of minority guaranties, for example, with respect to referendums. Such referendums have played a significant role in the transfer of power to the EU. The courts rule in all cases, both criminal and civil, as well as cases involving the legality of administrative decisions and cases concerning the constitutionality of legislation. Denmark does not have special administrative or constitutional courts. The Danish constitutional catalogue of rights is less comprehensive than in many European countries, with rules based on the original Constitutional Act of 1849. These have only been minimally expanded since. In praxis, constitutional rights are supplemented by the European Convention on Human Rights whose provisions are implemented legislatively. The Constitutional Act is difficult to amend, and there are currently no imminent amendments.