Denmark constitution signed

On June 5, 1849, Denmark became a constitutional monarchy with the signing of its first constitution. Prior to the promulgation of its constitution, Denmark was an absolute monarchy. The Danish constitution protected civil liberties, limited the power of the king, and created a bicameral legislature called the Rigstag, consisting of the Folketing and the Landsting. Today, Constitution Day is celebrated as a national holiday in Denmark every year on June 5.

Learn more about Denmark’s system of government from the country’s official website.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt born

Carrie Chapman Catt, suffragist, womens' rights advocate and co-founder of the League of Women Voters, was born on January 9, 1859.

Visit the Carrie Chapman Catt Childhood Home.

Great Britain's first income tax introduced

On January 9, 1799, British Prime Minister William Pitt introduced Great Britain's first income tax. The tax was announced the previous December as a means of raising money for war against Napoleon. Pitt's successor, Henry Addington, repealed the tax when hostilities subsided in 1802. Addington then reinstated the tax during the following year when fighting was renewed. The Addington tax model later became the model for the modern British income tax. Learn about the history of income taxation in Great Britain from Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs.