A Visit to Parliament

Today I went on a field study with my Positive Psychology class to the Danish Parliament. Everything having to do with democracy including the chambers of parliament, the Danish Supreme Court and the prime minister's office are located in Christiansborg Palace. The palace was originally built with the intent that it would become the main residence of the Royal family. While the castle was being built the Royals resided in Amalienborg Palace, which is where they live today when in Copenhagen. By the time Christianborg was finished (25 years later), King Frederick VII decided that he no longer wanted to live there and the palace became the house of parliament instead. This part of Danish history remains a little unclear because it was around this time that Denmark moved away from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. Many people believe that the King's choice to stay in Amalienborg was not entirely his own because Christiansborg  is in the center of the city, which is an ideal location for the people in power (and the Royals were no longer such people). The Royal family's move out of the city center is sort of symbolic of their reduction of power that came when the Denmark became a democracy in 1849.

Gustavus is on the ceiling of the Danish Parliament!

The parliament building is absolutely beautiful, which only makes sense considering it was built for royalty. It was exciting to have the opportunity to see the inside of the palace and see the chambers of parliament. We were given a tour and brief history lecture by a man named Peter, who is an actual member of parliament from the island of Bormholm. It was very interesting to learn about a democracy that is so different from the United States. Denmark has nine main political parties represented in parliament. However, even the most "conservative" party in Denmark would be considered left-winged by American standards. I really enjoyed hearing about the Danish welfare system from the viewpoint of a member of parliament. We discussed universal healthcare, education and immigration. It was a very educational experience but Peter had a great sense of humor and kept everything lighthearted.

The sun was shining today, which is a rarity in Copenhagen 

The Larsen's were all gone tonight, so Annie and Leah came to visit. We made oreo shakes, painted our nails and watched She's the Man-- classic girl's night! It was a very relaxing and cozy evening.

So good :)