The "ac" code is for "adequacy-confidence"--a
data
quality measure ranging from 0 (low) to 9
(high)
Party name and code number
Danish Social Democratic Party,
201
Socialdemokratiet, 201
Institutionalization Variables,
1.01-1.06
1.01 Year of Origin and 1.02 Name
Changes
1878, AC5
0, AC9
The Social Democratic Party was established
in the 1870s. Although the Socialists gathered as early as 1871
for the first international, The party's origin is more likely
traced to the year 1878 when the Social Democratic union was
formally established. This party has had no name
changes.
1.03 Organizational
Discontinuity
0, AC9
There is no record of any splits or
mergers.
1.04 Leadership Competition
16, AC9
Three leadership changes since 1950
occurred through overt processes Involving 100 members or more.
Four men have served during this period. Hans Hedtoft served as
leader (chairman of the party and prime ministerial candidate )
from 1939 to 1955. (the Germans forced his resignation in 1941-45
but the Social Democrats still considered him their leader.) After
Hedtoft's death in 1955, H.C. Hansen became chairman and served
until his death in 1960. Viggo Kampmann served during 1960-62,
retired due to ill health, and was followed by J.O. Krag. Each was
elected by party conference.
1.05 Legislative Instability
Instability is .03, AC8
Throughout our time period, the Social
Democrats held the most seats in the legislature but always lacked
a majority.
1.06 Electoral Instability
Instability is .02, AC8
This is based on five elections, 1950, two
in 1953, 1957, and 1960. In the table of electoral data, the first
election in 1953 is reported on the line for 1952.
Governmental Status Variables,
2.01-2.07
2.01 Government Discrimination
0, AC9
There is no positive or negative government
discrimination. The broadcasting service is organized along lines
aiming to make it independent of government. Each party has its
own paper. The state as such does not publish any paper
influencing public opinion. The constitution provides that
censorship and other preventive measures cannot be
introduced.
2.02 Governmental Leadership
5 out of 7 for 1st half, AC9
6 out of 6 for 2nd half, AC9
Hans Hedtoft, a Social Democrat, was prime
minister in 1950 and again from 1953 to 1955. He was succeeded by
H.C. Hansen from 1955 to 1960 and Viggo Kampmann from 1960 to
1962, when Jens Otto Krag assumed the office. All were Social
Democrats.
2.03 Cabinet Participation
5 out of 7 for 1st half, AC9
6 out of 6 for 2nd half, AC9
The Social Democrats held cabinet positions
only in governments that they headed, which Were in 1950, 1953,
1955-1957, 1957-1960, and 1960-1962.
2.04 National Participation
6, AC8
The party is weakest in parts of Jutland
but receives a large enough percentage of the region's vote to
qualify for a code of "6." Its deviation
from the gross national average during our
time period for Jutland was about 5 Percentage points.
2.05 Legislative Strength
Strength is .41 for 1st half, AC7, and .41
for 2nd Half, AC8
Throughout our time period, the Social
Democrats held the most seats in the legislature but always lacked
a majority.
2.06 Electoral Strength
Strength is .40 for 1st half, AC8, and .40
for 2nd Half, AC9
This is based on five elections, 1950, two
in 1953, 1957, and 1960. In the table of electoral data, the first
election in 1953 is reported on the line for 1952.
2.07 outside origin
8, AC9
The Social Democratic Party was formed by trade union and
Socialist leaders outside of the legislature. A few of these
leaders were briefly outlawed at a later date, but basically the
party was formed by leaders of major social organizations which
were legal: trade unions and Socialist clubs.
Issue Orientation Variables, 5.01-5.15
5.01 Ownership of Means of
Production
2, AC9
Although the Social Democrats retained
their demands for nationalization of some means of production
until their 1961 program revision, in practice they have mostly
favored regulation or joint public and private
ownership.
5.02 Government Role in Economic
Planning
3, AC9
The Social Democrats as party and
government have favored government regulation and planning to help
specific groups and the economy as a whole. These steps are taken
pragmatically--when deemed necessary.
5.03 Redistribution of Wealth
1, AC9
While in office the Social Democrats passed
legislation (progressive income and inheritance taxes) which
helped to redistribute wealth to the poorer classes.
5.04 Social Welfare
3, AC9
While in government the Social Democrats
created a comprehensive social welfare system.
5.05 Secularization of Society
3, AC9
All four major Danish parties including the
Social Democratic Party seem to recognize the Evangelical Lutheran
Church as the national church and accept state aid and support of
it. However, the state's laws are not based on religious
prescription and other religions are allowed.
5.06 Support of the Military
1, AC9
Although Social Democratic governments have
instituted, increased, and then later decreased spending on the
military, these programs have always been second in importance to
domestic programs.
5.07 Alignment with East-West
Blocs
4, AC9
Denmark entered the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization while the Social Democrats were the government with
party approval. However, for political reasons they refused to
allow NATO to build bases on Denmark proper.
5.08 Anti-colonialism
3 for 1st half, AC8
0 for 2nd half, AC9
The Social Democrats supported the 1953
constitution which incorporated Greenland and the Faroe Islands
into Denmark, thus ending all Danish colonial
territory.
5.09 Supranational Integration
1 for 1st half, AC7
1 for 2nd half, AC9
In both program and policy, the Social
Democrats have favored joining the European Free Trade Association
and the Common Market (European Economic Community). These
organizations did not exist during the first time period, but
membership in OECC and desire for membership in free trade
associations did exist before 1957.
5.10 National Integration
0, AC7
The general homogeneity of the Danish
population makes this variable irrelevant for Denmark proper. The
Faroe Islands and greenland, however, which are a part "of the
Danish realm" (since 1953) have special seats reserved for them in
the Folketing (national legislature) and have their own respective
governors and legislatures.
5.11 Electoral Participation
5, AC9
The Social Democratic Party has proposed,
and then supported once passed, universal suffrage--voting age is
21 years of age.
5.12 Protection of Civil Rights
5, AC9
There is no evidence in the literature that
Danish parties disagree on this issue. It is, therefore,
considered a settled issue--the constitution of 1953 provides for
the protection of civil rights for all Danish
citizens.
5.13 Interference With Civil
Liberties
5, AC9
The Social Democrats supported the 1953
constitution which provided for complete freedom of expression
including the press. Individuals may, however, be held responsible
for libel or slander. The parties do not seem to disagree on this
issue. Television and radio are strictly nonpartisan. Each of the
parties publishes several newspapers.
5.14 / 5.15 US--Soviet Experts Left-Right
Ratings
US says 3, non-communist left
Soviets say 2, has influence in petty
bourgeoisie circles among the workers, clerks, and civil
servants.
Goal Orientation Variables, 6.01-6.55
6.00 Open Competition in the Electoral
Process
4, AC9
All evidence within the literature
indicates that the party relies exclusively on open competition in
the electoral process. The Social Democrats have competed in every
election since their formation and have accepted and relinquished
government power frequently and without incident.
6.10 Restricting Party
Competition
0, AC9
The Social Democratic Party relies
exclusively on open competition in the electoral
process.
6.20 Subverting the Political
System
0, AC9
The Social Democratic Party relies
exclusively on open competition in the electoral
process.
6.30 Propagandizing Ideas and
Program
6.31--2, AC9.
The Social Democratic Party owns and
operates a daily newspaper in Copenhagen and owns and operates
papers in the provinces. Socialdemokraten Published in Copenhagen
is the party's leading paper followed by Silkeborg Socialdemokrat
published in Jutland. Socialdemokraten is also supported by a
small fee from all trade union members.
6.32--2, AC9.
The Social Democratic Party operates party
schools for both party workers and activists and the general
public. Courses are taught in labor high schools, through the
labor movement's information central, civic training centers,
people's high schools, and the workers' educational
association.
6.33--2, AC9.
Various branches of the Social Democratic
Party discuss and vote on various proposals, programs, And working
papers which are later published.
6.34--2, AC9.
The Social Democratic Party published
various programs, election platforms, statements of goals, working
papers and proposals.
6.50 Providing for Welfare of Party
Members
6.51--0, AC3.
The literature does not mention the Social
Democratic Party engaging in this activity although many other
activities are cited. It is assumed that in Denmark, which has a
very comprehensive welfare system administered by the government,
such activities by the parties would be superfluous.
6.52--0, AC3.
The literature does not mention the Social
Democratic Party engaging in this activity, although many other
activities are cited. It is assumed that in Denmark, where
unemployment is negligible and employment services are provided by
the state, such activities by the parties are not neccesary. These
activities would probably be performed, when necessary, by the
nonpolitical wing of the labor movement, i.e., trade unions and
trade federation.
6.53--1, AC3.
Although the literature makes no mention of
the Social Democratic Party performing this activity, it seems
reasonable that in a society with a comprehensive welfare system
covering most aspects of an individual's life, the party would
occasionally aid an individual in securing the attention of one of
the various agencies to his needs.
6.54--2, AC9.
The Social Democratic Party provides basic
education through their own high schools and in the folk high
schools for workers as well as adult education classes. The
party's educational associations are organized on a nation-wide
basis.
6. 55--2, AC9.
The Social Democratic Party sponsors a wide
range of recreational facilities and services including boy scout
groups, summer camps, community singing, coffee hours, readings
and dramatic sketches, music and films.
Autonomy Variables, 7.01-7.05
7.01 Sources of Funds
1 (sector 01), AC8
It is impossible to accurately determine
the proportion of Social Democratic Party funds received from the
trade union federation and the Danish labor unions. However, the
federation and the ions support the daily Social Democratic paper
in Copenhagen, contribute over one half of the party's electoral
campaign funds, and provide other direct
contributions.
7.02 source of members
5 (sector 01), AC9
Although most trade union members support
the Social Democratic Party and the party has structural and
representational links with The unions, the party's membership is
entirely voluntary.
7.03 Sources of Leaders
2 (sectors 01, 03), AC9
Before 1957 all Social Democratic prime
ministers had labor backgrounds. However, other lesser leaders
were civil servants with academic backgrounds. Two of these became
prime minister between 1957-1962, as did one leader with a labor
background.
7.04 Relations With Domestic
Parties
5 for 1st half, AC9
4 for 2nd half, AC9
For the periods 1947-50 and 1953-57 the
Social Democrats headed minority governments whose existence were
dependent on the parliamentary voting support of the Radical Party
(which refused cabinet responsibility). From 1957-62 the Social
Democrats also headed governments but with the Radicals as part of
a governing coalition.
7.05 Relations With Foreign
Organizations
3, AC9
Although the Danish Social Democratic Party
is a member of the Socialist International, its membership in that
organization does not seem to affect its national policy
orientation. It operates mostly for the purpose of exchanging
information and ideas.
Organizational Complexity Variables,
8.01-8.07
8.01 Structural Articulation
11, AC9
The most important administrative agency is
the parliamentary (Folketing) group. The basic governing agencies
are the national congress (500 voting, 300 nonvoting members), the
national executive committee (about 55 members), the party
conference (500 members), and the party council (about 10
members). Membership in all organs is by prescribed
selection--either elective or automatic appointment due to being a
trade union leader or editor of the party press.
8.02 Intensiveness of
Organization
5, AC8
The Social Democratic Party has
approximately 1,300 local party organizations ranging from 50 to
5,000 members. These organizations are based on municipal
subdivisions or smaller units.
8.03 extensiveness of
organization
6, AC8
The Social Democratic Party has local
organizations throughout the country although their strength is
variable. In some areas local units comprise a village, whereas in
others they are smaller than municipal subdivisions.
8.04 Frequency of Local
Meetings
AC1
Social Democratic local party units must
logically meet at least once a year to select representatives to
nominating districts, t national convention, etc. These units
probably meet monthly, but in the entire literature there is no
mention of the frequency of local meetings.
8.05 Frequency of National
Meetings
4, AC8
The national executive (Hovedbestyrelsen)
meets four times a year.
8.06 Maintaining Records
16, AC8
The Social Democratic was scored as
follows--"2" because of extensive publication of party newspapers,
and for the labor movement's information central which from 1945
to 1963 was concerned with communication within the party and
trade unions--"6" for the research facilities of the labor
economic council--and "8" for party lists which are assumed to be
of good quality because all members must register and are assessed
dues according to record of registration.
8.07 Pervasiveness of
Organization
9, AC7
The Social Democratic Party sponsors a
youth organization (DSU) and a women's organization which have not
enlisted "large" proportions of their sectors but which are
"highly" controlled by the party. Although the Social Democratic
Party has many organizational links with the trade unions and
federations, these were not created by the party and are not, at
least constitutionally, controlled by the party. However, it is
undeniable that the unions and the party work closely with one
another for the betterment of themselves, each considering the
other organization as the other arm of the Danish labor
movement.
Organizational Power Variables, 9.01-9.08
9.01 Nationalization of
Structure
6, AC9
The Social Democratic Party has a
discernible Party hierarchy in which the executive committee and
the national council act directly on the local (constituency and
county) organizations--there are no regional organizations. The
actual "power" resides in the Foketing group and decisions are
passed down through the organization by these top national
organs.
9.02 Selecting the National
Leader
4, AC7
The congress of the Social Democratic Party
elects the national chairman. However, this is in many ways more a
"ratification" of the leader chosen by the parliamentary
group--thus the "4" code. At least twice, however, The
parliamentary group has chosen as their leader the man preferred
by the previous leader.
9.03 Selecting Parliamentary
Candidates
5, AC9
Selection of parliamentary candidates for
the Social Democratic Party Is made locally but nominations must
be approved by the National Executive Comittee. Generally approval
is a mere formality and the National Executive Committee rarely
refuses to accept a candidate.
9.04 Allocating Funds
6, AC7
Although the literature is fairly explicit
on the sources of the Social Democratic Party's funds, it is vague
as to how they are distributed. Since most of the funds are
collected by the national organization, it is assumed that they
are dispensed by that organization. Lesser amounts are collected
and distributed by both the party group in the legislature and
local units. A large amount of contributions go directly into
financing the party press (from unions) and do not go directly to
the regular party organs.
9.05 Formulating Policy
5, AC5
Our consultant advises that the party
congress sets major policy lines. Between congresses, the
executive committee makes decisions on new issues. Much of the
literature, however, states that the parliamentary group
determines policy.
9.06 Controlling Communications
7, AC9
The Social Democratic Party press has its
own organization which is represented on the highest, most
influential levels of the party. The party actually owns only a
small percentage of the press which is almost completely owned by
the trade unions. The press, however, appears to serve the
purposes of the national leaders of the party, and the party and
trade union movement are organizationally interlocked in a
combined labor movement.
9.07 Administering Discipline
3, AC9
The parliamentary organization of the
Social Democratic Party administers most discipline to members.
Such discipline may include exclusion from committees or other
posts, being kept from speakerships, or loss of campaign funds.
Expulsion is possible but almost unknown.
9.08 Leadership Concentration
3, AC7
For eleven years of the time period
1950-62, the Social Democrats headed the government and the prime
minister exercised leadership effectively. Decisions were reached
after consultation, frequently with other party members, and were
discussed and ratified by top national party organs.
Coherence Variables, 10.01-10.06
10.01 Legislative Cohesion
.98, AC7
The above figure for the cohesiveness of
the Social Democratic Party's parliamentary group is an
approximation. Although all writers declare the party highly
cohesive, few provide quantitative data. However, out of 1,049
Divisions in the years 1953-1963, there were only seven divisions
in which one or two members voted against the party (out of
approximately 74 members) and there were only two divisions where
three or more members voted against the party. Roll call votes in
the Danish Folketing are very rare.
10.02 Ideological Factionalism
0, AC9
There are a few unarticulated references in
the literature of "tendencies toward ideological disputes" between
the Social Democratic Party leaders and the "more militant" trade
union leaders--however, on examination These appear to be possible
disagreements over ways to achieve end-goals rather than the goals
themselves.
10.03 Issue Factionalism
0, AC9
The Social Democratic Party has no factions
based on issue differences. Individual members are frequently
allowed to vote against the group, and differences of opinion may
be aired in party meetings. There is no evidence, however, of
articulated group opposition to the leaders'
positions.
10.04 Leadership Factionalism
0, AC9
There is positive evidence in the
literature that the Social Democratic Party is free of leadership
factionalism. As a minority coalition governing party for most of
the time period, the party has been highly disciplined and
supportive of the party leader.
10.05 Strategic or Tactical
Factionalism
0, AC9
There are one or two references in the
literature attesting to the Social Democratic youth group's
suggestion that the party cooperate with the Socialist People's
Party rather than with the Radicals. These, however, are believed
to be around 1968, and thus after our time period.
10.06 Party Purges
0, AC9
The Social Democratic Party has had no
purges.
Involvement Variables, 11.01-11.06
11.01 membership requirements
3, AC8
To become a member of the Social Democratic
Party, an individual must register, sign a card, and pay annual
dues. The payment of dues is mentioned more frequently in the
literature than are the other requirements.
11.02 Membership Participation
2, AC5
There is little documentation of this code
in the literature although It is clear that the code should be
less than "3." The coder's "guess" is that if attendance at youth
and women's organizations and at social and educational Events
sponsored by the Social Democratic Party were included, the code
should Be "2." If only regular party meetings were included the
code would probably be "0."
11.03 Material Incentives
0, AC3
Although the Social Democratic Party is the
largest party in the Folketing and thus has the greatest amount of
political jobs to dispense, it is doubtful that as much as 1/3 of
the Party's militants are motivated for this reason. These jobs
are considered more a reimbursement for business income lost
during political service. In general, party militants seemed to be
moved by solidarity and purposive incentives rather than material
incentives.
11.04 Purposive Incentives
3, AC3
Purposive incentives seem to be the major
motivation for individual militants to join and remain members in
the Social Democratic Party.
11.05 Doctrinism
1, AC9
The Social Democratic Party's program
embodies the party's doctrine And may at times be considered a
referent for decisions. Because the party's militants are
generally agreed on political principles, the party's doctrine is
not constantly consulted, nor is it considered unalterable or
infallible.
11.06 Personalism
0, AC9
There is no evidence in the literature that
Social Democratic militants are motivated by the charismatic
qualities of the party leader. The party's leader has changed
frequently and without incident.