Suchergebnisse

Danish parliamentary developments since the Second World War include the consolidation of minority rule, a reduction in the power of established political parties, and more external constraints on parliamentary actors. They also involve a number of more specific changes to the various steps of delegation and accountability. The evidence tends to support the thesis of a paradox in the development of parliamentary democracy. On the one hand, changes in the constitutional chain of delegation and accountability have, on the whole, favoured the principals (voters, parliament, ministers) compared with their agents (parliament, ministers, civil servants). On the other hand, the established parties have declined somewhat and there are more external constraints than there used to be. This implies that the power of democratic principals has increased within narrower limits of action. In such a situation, the principals can be said to 'decide more about less' because of the stronger national and (not least) international constraints. However, the emergence of a partially new system of governance cannot unequivocally be called better or worse than the traditional Danish system of democratic governance.

Denmark appears to be on the verge of realizing an ideal-type parliamentary democracy in which voters, Parliament, & government are the principal agents. However, at least five broad traits of Danish politics problematize this characterization. First is Denmark's small size & international (eg, NATO, EU, & other organizations) constraints. Second is its post-World War II record of minority governance. Third, its Constitution permits & under certain circumstances demands the holding of referendums. Fourth is the influence of organized local & regional interests. Fifth, & perhaps most significant, is the function of Danish political parties. The delegation chain is examined in light of these five features. The conclusion comments on potential agency problems & offers recommendations. 1 Table, 57 References. K. Coddon