Danish democracy is founded on thoughts the seeds of which were sown in Europe during the 18th century as a reaction against royal absolutism which infringed the freedom of the citizens. The power in society should not be imposed upon the people from above.
Universal suffrage is the foundation of democracy.
This principle was laid down in the Constitutional Act of June 1849, the main principles of which are still to be found in the present Constitutional Act of June 5th 1953. Democracy is safeguarded not only by the Constitutional Act but also by the Parliamentary Election Act of Denmark. The remuneration which the popularly elected receive makes it economically possible for anyone to run for election irrespective of income. It is characteristic of Danish democracy that the administration of the State is based on a voluntary agreement between the constitutional monarchy and the citizens of the country. The citizens have no direct influence on the administration of the State but exert their influence indirectly by voting.