How does it work and how did we get there?

DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL CULTURE IN DENMARK

Agenda• How did Denmark become a democracy?• Brief history

• Today’s democracy in Denmark• The political situation• Democracy in other parts of Danish culture

• Youth participation • How do youth participate?• Why is it important?

From feudal kingdom to well-working democratic state

DENMARK’S ROAD TO DEMOCRACY

The history• Vikings – empire • Feudal society• Jutlandian Law• The first constitution • The second constitution • The Kanslergade Settlement• The third constitution • Today

Political and in other ways

TODAY’S DEMOCRACY

How is the political democracy working?• Still a monarchy in theory• Representative democracy• Three levels• National• Regional• Local

The national level• Danish Parliament – Folketinget• Election period maximum 4 years – last: september 2011• 8 parties• 179 members• Government led by Helle Thorning-Schmidt• Broad settlements• Laws, taxes and general guidelines for public institutions

The regional and local levels• Size depends on the region and commune• Election period is 4 years – next: november 2013• Most mayors are Venstre (opposition party in Parliament)• Decides: • Healthcare system• Public schools• Other public institutions – after school activities

Democracy in other aspects of Denmark• The three party negotiations • Student’s democracy• Churches

• Democracy is not just a way of running the country. It’s a way of life and a way of treating people• Gay rights• Double citizenship • Voluntarism

How and why?

YOUTH PARTICIPATION AND VOLUNTARISM

How do youth participate?• Youth parties• All parties• Approximately 10%• A voice in Parliament• Marcus

• “Youth City Council” • Many communes• Elementary schools and high schools

• Student’s democracy

Why is it important?• “One day our generation is gonna rule the population”• Huge resource• Innovative and creative• Optimistic

• Corruption• Old men’s club