Denmark Index
Constitutional Background Denmark is a constitutional monarchy headed by Queen Margrethe II. The legislative and executive authorities are vested in the monarch who acts through a cabinet of ministers, headed by the prime minister, responsible to the Parliament. The cabinet is appointed by the prime minister and approved by the Parliament. Since November 27th, 2001, the prime minister is Anders Fogh Rasmussen of the Liberal Party. The Faeroe Islands have been a self-governing colony under the Danish Realm since 1948, and in 1979 Greenland attained a similar status. Total independence from Denmark has been an increasingly debated topic through the past years. Although the Parliament has a maximum term of 4 years, elections are generally called more frequently. Coalition governments have predominated since 1945, the prime minister usually being chosen from the party with the most seats in the Parliament. Local government is exercised by elected county and municipal councils. Since 1955, Denmark has had an Ombudsman, who oversees the conduct of the cabinet and the decisions of the administration. All citizens have the right to appeal government actions to the ombudsman. History and News
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