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What is the constitution?

The Constitution is the cornerstone of all legislation and exercise of public power. It contains provisions on state organisation, checks and balances and on civil rights. No other enactment may contradict the Constitution.

The new Constitution enters into force on 1 March 2000

The new Constitution is based on four old constitutional acts: the Constitution Act of Finland, the Parliament Act and two acts on ministerial liability. These were passed during the first years of independence. The Parliament has amended the acts in the course of the years, but the principal constitutional traits have remained unchanged.

The new Constitution reiterates the main principle of the old Constitution Act: in Finland sovereign power lies with the people represented by the Parliament in session.

• A large majority of two consecutive Parliaments adopted the new Constitution. The adoption was preceded by years of careful drafting.

• According to the Constitution sovereign power rests with the people. Democracy includes the individual right to influence decisions that affect us all. The Constitution guarantees civil rights and liberties.

• The Constitution emphasises the parliamentary traits of the Finnish political system, and the status of the Parliament as the supreme state organ: the Government has to enjoy its confidence. The President of the Republic takes decisions on the basis of a proposal drawn up and presented by the Government.

• The Parliament elects the Prime Minister who is appointed by the President. The other ministers the President appoints on a nomination by the Prime Minister.

• The President of the Republic directs the foreign policy of Finland in conjunction with the Government. In foreign policy too the presidential acts are based on preparations by and cooperation with the Government.

• According to the Constitution Finland participates in international cooperation in order to promote peace and to safeguard human rights.

Updated on March 24, 2003