The 1953 constitution established a unicameral Folketing of not more than 179 members, of whom two are elected from the Faroe Islands and two from Greenland. Elections are held at least every 4 years, but the prime minister can dissolve the Folketing at any time and call for new elections. Folketing members are elected by a complicated system of proportional representation; any party receiving at least 2% of the total national vote receives representation. The result is a multiplicity of parties (seven represented in the Folketing after the February 2005 general election), none of which holds a majority. Electorate participation normally is around 80-85%.

The judicial branch consists of about 100 local courts, two high courts, several special courts (e.g., arbitration and maritime), and a Supreme Court of 15 judges appointed by the crown on the government's recommendation.

Denmark is divided into 13 counties (Amter) and 271 municipalities (Kommuner). The chief official of the Amt, the county mayor (Amts-borgmester), is elected by the county council from among its members, according to the municipal reform of 1970. The cities of Copenhagen and Frederiksberg function as both counties and municipalities.

The Faroe Islands and Greenland enjoy home rule, with the Danish Government represented locally by high commissioners. These home rule governments are responsible for most domestic affairs, with foreign relations, monetary affairs, and defense falling to the Danish Government.

Ministers
Economic Affairs, Business and Trade--Bendt Bendtsen
Foreign Affairs--Per Stig Moeller
Finance--Thor Pedersen
Employment--Claus Hjort Frederiksen
Justice--Lene Espersen
Cultural Affairs--Brian Mikkelsen
Refugees, Immigration and Integration--Ms. Rikke Hvilshoej
Development Cooperation--Ms. Ulla Toernaes
Taxation--Kristian Jensen
Transport and Energy--Flemming Hansen
Science, Technology and Innovation--Helge Sander
Food, Agriculture and Fisheries--Hans Christian Schmidt
Defense--Soren Gade
Environment and Nordic Affairs--Connie Hedegaard
Interior Affairs and Health--Lars Loekke Rasmussen
Education and Ecclesiastical Affairs--Bertel Haarder
Social Affairs and Gender Equality--Eva Kjer Hansen
Family and Consumer Affairs--Lars Barfoed

Ambassador to the United States--vacant
Ambassador to the United Nations--Ellen Margrethe Loej

Denmark maintains an embassy at 3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008-3683 (tel. 202-234-4300). Consulates general are in Chicago and New York.