Denmark is a constitutional monarchy. Queen Margrethe II has largely ceremonial functions; likely her most remarkable formal power lies in her right to appoint the prime minister and cabinet ministers, who are responsible for administration of the government. 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 (parliament). Cabinet members are occasionally recruited from outside the Folketing.

The 1953 constitution accomplished 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 4 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, none of which holds a majority. Electorate participation normally is above more than 87%.

The judicial branch consists of about 100 local courts, two high courts, several special courts, and a Supreme Court of 15 judges appointed by the crown on the government’s recommendation.

Denmark is separated into 14 counties and 275 municipalities–as of January 1, 2003, 13 counties and 271 municipalities. The chief official of the Amt, the county mayor, is elected by the county council from among its members, according to the municipal reform of 1970. The cities of Copenhagen and Frederiksberg function as both counties and municipalities.

The Faroe Islands and Greenland enjoy home rule, with the Danish Government described locally by high commissioners. These home rule governments are responsible for most domestic affairs, with foreign relations, monetary affairs, and defense falling to the Danish Government. In 1849 Denmark became a constitutional monarchy with the adoption of a new constitution. The monarch is formally head of state, a role which is mainly ceremonial, since executive power is exercised by the cabinet ministers, with the prime minister acting as the first among equals (primus inter pares). Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Danish parliament, known as the Folketing, which consists of (no more than) 179 members. The Danish Judiciary is functionally and administratively independent of the executive and the legislature.

Elections for parliament must be held at least every four years; but the prime minister can call for an earlier election, if he so decides. Should parliament succeed in a vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister the entire government resigns.