This master thesis deals with the Danish welfare state and the social reforms from 1956 to 1961. The "law of welfare" (forsorgsloven) from 1961 and the political motives for adopting the reform are the main subjects of the study. It begins in 1956 with the universal pension reform as the political break. The reform was adopted with a wide agreement which lead to radical changes in the social policy within some parties. The question is if the changes in 1956 created a basis for a political consensus? And did the political consensus create a foundation for the subsequent legislation within the field of social politics towards the "Law of welfare"? Based on the study it can be concluded that the "Law of Welfare" reflected the fact that there were a wider and continued consensus regarding the social citizenship in 1961. During the period 1956-1961 the political parties institutionalized the universal benefits which are a key aspect in the social democratic welfare state.