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Direct Democracy

Denmark Denmark

DD002

Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments: In addition to the referendums specified in the constitution, it is possible to call voluntary and non binding referendums.
Source: The Danish Constitution, Art. 20, 29, 42, 88 Parliamentary Elections Act, Part 12. Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2019/05/27
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD003

Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments: When a Bill has been passed by Parliament, within three weekdays of the final passing of the Bill, one-third of the Members of Parliament can ask the President for a referendum on the Bill. The request must be in writing and signed by the participating Members.
Source: Constitution of Denmark, P.5, Sec.42, SS.1 Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2019/05/27
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD004

Optional referendums (national level)
Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments: In addition to the referendums specified in the constitution, it is possible to call voluntary and not binding referendums.
Source: The Danish Constitution, Art. 20, 29, 42, 88 Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2019/05/27
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD005

Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2019/05/27
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD006

Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2016/10/14
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD007


Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2016/10/14
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD129


Question:Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer: b. Sometimes binding
Comments: Turnout quotas "A turnout quota is a rule specifying that the result of a referendum is not valid, binding or affirmative unless at least a minimum percentage of those entitled to vote in the referendum actually vote or unless the votes cast amount to a certain percentage of those entitled to vote. Turnout quotas exist in many jurisdictions. In Denmark, for example, referendums on constitutional change require approval by a majority of votes cast and at least 40 per cent of the electorate. Turnout quotas can prevent intense minorities (small groups who care very strongly about an issue, and who are therefore highly motivated to vote) from imposing their will on silent majorities (who, feeling less passionate about the issue, are less inclined to vote). As such, turnout quotas may increase the legitimacy of the result. However, a very high turnout quota (e.g. above 50 per cent) may make it unduly difficult to change the status quo."
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008), pg. 17-18. https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-primer.pdf
Verified: 2019/05/27
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD130


Question:Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer: c. Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2016/10/14
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD131


Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2016/10/14
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
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