Denmark is often heralded as a democratic ideal. Danish voters trust their political institutions and express satisfaction with their democracy. One reason frequently mentioned is that the voters’ can express their preferences at elections. Yet, is Denmark, in fact, a democratic leader, a beacon of light in the political darkness? Or is it merely some unworkable utopian outlier?
We attempt to provide an answer by analyzing voter data from national studies in Denmark and several other advanced democracies spanning multiple decades. The analysis focus on a comparison of three normatively relevant measures of democratic performance: voice, choice, and satisfaction. Voice refers the degree to which voters can participate in the system. Choice refers to the range of viable party choices. Satisfaction has two aspects; one specific and one diffuse. Specific satisfaction concerns support for the working of election rules. Diffuse support concerns more affective feelings about the system as a whole. The unit of analysis is the country, measured over time, via public opinion and aggregate statistical indicators. In combination, the three measures provide an index of democratic performance, country by country. To the extent Denmark obtains higher performance scores than other Western democracies, it will continue to be seen as a ”beacon of light.”
We need an answer because Denmark – like other Western democracy – has come under pressure to uphold economic prosperity while accommodating increasing diversity from immigration. These developments might challenge voters’ opportunities to be represented in the political system, in Denmark as well as beyond.