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Quizzes > Quizzes for Business > Government

Master the Danish Democracy Knowledge Quiz

Discover Key Concepts of Danish Political System

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art representing Danish democracy for an engaging knowledge quiz.

Embark on the Danish Democracy Knowledge Quiz to explore the roots and workings of Denmark's democratic system. This interactive quiz presents 15 diverse multiple-choice questions crafted to challenge your understanding of electoral processes, parliamentary roles, and civic rights. Perfect for students, educators, and history enthusiasts seeking a concise civic knowledge challenge, it can be freely customised in our editor to match any learning goal. You might also be interested in the Danish Civics and History Knowledge Quiz or dive into the History Knowledge Quiz for broader context. Explore more quizzes and start testing your knowledge today.

What is the name of the national parliament of Denmark?
Folketing
Althing
Storting
Bundesrat
The Folketing is the unicameral national parliament of Denmark. It holds legislative power and represents Danish citizens. It replaced the previous bicameral system when it was established.
What type of government does Denmark have?
Absolute monarchy
Constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy
Presidential republic
Theocratic republic
Denmark is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy, meaning the monarch is head of state under a constitution and the government is led by elected representatives. This system balances ceremonial royal duties with democratic governance. It has existed since the 19th century.
Who is considered the head of state in Denmark?
The president
The prime minister
The monarch
The speaker of the Folketing
In Denmark, the monarch serves as the ceremonial head of state under the constitution. The prime minister is head of government responsible for running the country. The monarch's role is largely symbolic, carrying out duties on the advice of elected officials.
How are members of the Folketing chosen?
Elected by local councils
Appointed by the monarch
Through hereditary seats
By direct popular vote
Members of the Folketing are elected by direct popular vote in multi-member constituencies. This proportional representation system ensures parties receive seats roughly in line with their share of the vote. There are no hereditary or monarchical appointments.
In which year was Denmark's current constitution first adopted?
1915
1801
1849
1953
The Danish constitution was first adopted on June 5, 1849, establishing a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary system. It replaced absolute monarchy and laid the groundwork for democratic governance in Denmark. Subsequent amendments have modernized it further.
What is the monarch's role in forming a government in Denmark?
Hosts cabinet meetings regularly
Votes in the Folketing
Chooses cabinet policies directly
Appoints the prime minister based on election results
After an election, the monarch formally appoints the prime minister, typically the leader who can command a majority in the Folketing. This is a ceremonial role since the choice reflects parliamentary arithmetic. The monarch does not set policy or vote in parliament.
What was the significance of the 1849 constitution in Denmark's democratic evolution?
It introduced an absolute judiciary
It created a presidential system
It established constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy
It abolished the monarchy
The 1849 constitution marked Denmark's transition from absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy with parliamentary institutions. It created the Folketing and guaranteed certain civil rights. This milestone laid the foundation for modern Danish democracy.
When was women's suffrage introduced in Denmark?
1901
1918
1915
1920
In 1915, Denmark amended its constitution to grant women the right to vote and stand for election. This was a key step in expanding democratic participation. It preceded women's suffrage in many other European countries.
Which power serves as a key legislative check on the Danish executive?
Dismissing local councils
Appointing judges
Supervising royal decrees
Control over the national budget
The Folketing's power to approve or reject the national budget is a principal check on the government's policies and spending. Without budget approval, a government cannot implement its agenda. This ensures parliamentary control over public finances.
What voting system is used in Folketing elections?
Mixed-member majoritarian
Proportional representation
First-past-the-post
Single transferable vote
Denmark uses a proportional representation system in multi-member constituencies. This ensures that parties receive seats closely matching their share of the national vote. The system includes both district seats and leveling seats to maintain proportionality.
What is the maximum term length for the Folketing before an election must be called?
Four years
Five years
Three years
Two years
According to the Danish constitution, a general election must be held at least every four years. The prime minister can call elections earlier, but not later than this limit. This rule balances stability with democratic renewal.
What parliamentary mechanism must a new Danish government obtain to take office?
Approval by the Supreme Court
Referendum
Vote of confidence in the Folketing
Royal decree without vote
A new government must secure a vote of confidence in the Folketing, demonstrating majority support for its program. Without this confidence, the government cannot govern. This ensures executive accountability to elected representatives.
How can the Danish constitution be amended?
Simple majority plus Supreme Court approval
Two-thirds vote in one Folketing only
Royal decree only
Passed by one Folketing, new election, passed again, then referendum or new election
A constitutional amendment must pass in one Folketing, then a new Folketing after an election must pass it again, followed by a referendum or by another election outcome unless 40% of voters oppose. This process prevents hasty changes.
Which fundamental right is explicitly protected by the Danish constitution?
Monarchy immunity
State employment for all citizens
Freedom of speech
Right to private property without tax
The Danish constitution explicitly guarantees freedom of speech, protecting individuals' rights to express opinions. It also includes other civil liberties like freedom of assembly and religion. These rights form the basis of Danish democratic values.
What is the minimum voting age for Folketing elections in Denmark?
21
20
18
16
Danish citizens must be at least 18 years old to vote in Folketing elections. This age threshold aligns with the age of majority in Denmark. Lower age limits are not used for national parliamentary elections.
Which principle allows the Folketing to replace a government only if a new one is agreed upon simultaneously?
Referendum requirement
Constructive vote of no confidence
Simple majority no confidence
Monarchical dismissal
Denmark uses a constructive vote of no confidence, meaning the Folketing can only remove a government if it simultaneously elects a new one. This rule ensures stability and avoids government vacuums. It is a core feature of Danish parliamentary practice.
What did the 1901 "Systemskiftet" establish in Danish politics?
Government must have majority support in the Folketing
First universal suffrage
Complete separation of monarchy powers
Judicial review of legislation
The 1901 Systemskiftet marked the introduction of the parliamentary principle requiring that the government have majority support in the Folketing. It ended the era of monarch-appointed cabinets without parliamentary backing. This is viewed as the true birth of modern Danish Parliamentarism.
How does the Danish electoral system ensure national proportionality beyond constituency results?
Runoff elections
Leveling seats
Majority bonus
Electoral colleges
Denmark allocates a number of leveling seats to parties whose constituency seat share does not reflect their national vote share. These seats adjust the overall outcome to ensure proportionality. This mechanism corrects regional disparities in vote distribution.
Under Danish law, what mechanism is required to approve the transfer of sovereignty to an international organization?
Two-thirds Folketing vote only
Referendum
No special procedure
Royal decree
A referendum is required whenever Denmark transfers sovereignty to an international organization, ensuring direct citizen approval. This safeguard was introduced to maintain democratic control over significant legal and political changes. It reflects Denmark's cautious approach to sovereignty.
Which institution investigates complaints against public authorities to protect citizens' rights in Denmark?
Parliamentary Ombudsman
Supreme Court
Ministry of Justice
High Commissioner
The Parliamentary Ombudsman serves as an independent watchdog investigating complaints about public authorities. The office ensures administration compliance with laws and protects individual rights. It reports findings to the Folketing, fostering accountability.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyse the roles of the Danish Parliament and monarchy.
  2. Identify key historical milestones in Denmark's democratic evolution.
  3. Evaluate the checks and balances within Denmark's political system.
  4. Apply knowledge of Danish electoral processes to real-world scenarios.
  5. Demonstrate understanding of citizens' rights and responsibilities in Denmark.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand the Structure of the Danish Parliament (Folketinget) - The Folketing is Denmark's unicameral powerhouse where 179 energetic members, including voices from Greenland and the Faroe Islands, craft and debate laws. Elections are held every four years unless the Prime Minister decides to shake things up early. Discover how this democratic engine ticks at Folketing - Wikipedia.
  2. Recognize the Role of the Danish Monarchy - Denmark's royal family is one of the oldest in Europe, and as of January 2024 King Frederik X brings a fresh chapter after Queen Margrethe II's reign. While largely ceremonial, the monarch officially appoints the government and gives royal assent to new laws. Get the full coronation scoop at Denmark Monarchy - Denmark.dk.
  3. Explore the Evolution of Denmark's Democracy - From absolute monarchy to constitutional rule in 1849, Denmark's journey shaped modern rights and governance. The 1953 Constitution abolished the upper chamber, enshrining a unicameral system and key civil liberties. Take a historical deep dive at Constitution of Denmark - Wikipedia.
  4. Analyze the Separation of Powers - Denmark divides power among Parliament (legislative), the Government (executive) and the courts (judicial) to keep everyone honest. This checks-and-balances setup ensures no branch can run off with too much authority. Read the rulebook at The Constitutional Act - The Danish Parliament.
  5. Understand the Formation of the Government - After elections, the monarch chats with party leaders to pick a Prime Minister who can build a majority - or at least a workable coalition. Denmark's often colorful minority governments rely on teamwork and negotiation to pass laws. Learn how alliances form at Government Formation - The Danish Parliament.
  6. Examine the Legislative Process - Bills can start with the Government or any MP, but only Parliament can make them law after multiple readings and committee reviews. This careful, step-by-step system ensures every idea gets a rigorous reality check. Explore the stages at Legislative Process - The Danish Parliament.
  7. Evaluate the Role of Parliamentary Committees - Denmark's 30 standing committees are where the real homework happens, scrutinizing proposals and grilling ministers. These small teams dig into policy details and keep the Government on its toes with tough questions and public hearings. Dive into committee life at Parliamentary Committees - The Danish Parliament.
  8. Learn About Citizens' Rights and Responsibilities - The Danish Constitution guarantees freedoms like speech, assembly and property, while reminding everyone to obey laws and participate in democracy. Knowing your rights - and duties - is your ticket to active citizenship and community impact. Brush up on your civic guide at Citizens' Rights - The Danish Parliament.
  9. Understand the Electoral System - Denmark uses proportional representation to match seats in the Folketing with the percentage of votes each party wins, encouraging a rainbow of political voices. This fosters coalition-building and ensures even smaller parties get a seat at the table. See the math behind the magic at Proportional Representation - Wikipedia.
  10. Recognize the Importance of Parliamentary Oversight - To keep the Government honest, Parliament can summon ministers, demand reports and hold votes of no confidence. This watchdog role makes sure laws are implemented as intended and power isn't abused. Learn about these vital checks at Parliamentary Oversight - The Danish Parliament.
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