Constitution of Denmark (1849)

The June constitution establishing Denmarks constitutional monarchy.

Overview

Signed June 5, 1849 by Frederick VII, the Danish Constitution ended absolute monarchy, which had run since 1660, and created a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral rigsdag and rights catalogue inspired by the 1831 Belgian and Norwegian models. June 5 remains the national constitution day. The 1866 revision curtailed elections after the defeat by Prussia, and the 1915 constitution enfranchised women and servants, the centennial celebrated in 2015. The current consolidated text rests on the 1953 revision that abolished the upper house, created unicameral folketing, and enabled female succession. It is amendable by referendum after two parliaments.