The Origin of the Constitutional Act

From 1660 to 1848, Denmark was an absolute monarchy, a form of government that was the norm in many European countries at the time. In the 18th century, however, there was growing opposition to absolute monarchy in Europe. People demanded the right to decide how their countries should be governed, and monarchies were overthrown in several countries and replaced by republics.

As international developments began to accelerate, King Christian VIII decided that Denmark should also have a free constitution. Before he died in 1848, he therefore ordered his son, Frederik VII to promise the Danish people a new constitution that guaranteed them freedom and equality and prevented any one person from having unlimited power.

The Constitutional Assembly of the Realm

A new Government was given the authority to negotiate the constitution. Drawing on inspiration from the constitutions of other countries, e.g. Norway and Belgium, Danish politician D.G. Monrad wrote a draft constitution. The draft was presented to the Constitutional Assembly of the Realm, which comprised 152 members who had been elected to discuss the contents of the new constitution. After several months of work and discussions, the Constitutional Assembly of the Realm adopted a constitution which comprised 100 sections and became the Constitutional Act of Denmark. It was signed by King Frederik VII on 5 June 1849. This date is therefore known in Denmark as Constitution Day and is celebrated every year as a national holiday with political meetings held throughout the country.

Although it is said that with the adoption of the Constitutional Act in 1849, Denmark went from absolute monarchy to representative government, full democracy was not introduced until 1915 when women were enfranchised.