The Finnish Constitution
The Constitution of Finland is the highest legal authority in the country. It defines how Finland is governed, how public power is exercised, and which fundamental rights belong to individuals. All other laws, regulations, and public decisions must comply with it.
The role of the Constitution
The Constitution establishes the basic framework of the Finnish state. It determines how political power is organised and places legal limits on the actions of public authorities. This ensures that power is not exercised arbitrarily.
In practice, this means that Parliament cannot pass just any law it wishes, the Government cannot govern without legal authority, and public officials must act within clearly defined rules. If a public authority exceeds its powers, its actions can be challenged.
Democracy and popular sovereignty
A core principle of the Finnish Constitution is that all public power belongs to the people. This principle is known as popular sovereignty. Citizens exercise this power primarily through elections.
For example, voters elect Members of Parliament, who then pass laws and supervise the Government. In this way, political authority ultimately traces back to the will of the people, rather than to a monarch or unelected body.
Fundamental rights and freedoms
The Constitution guarantees a wide range of fundamental rights. These include equality before the law, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and the right to education. These rights apply to everyone within Finland’s jurisdiction.
For instance, public authorities may not discriminate against individuals without a lawful reason, and restrictions on freedom of speech must always be based on law and justified in a democratic society.
Organisation of state power
The Constitution defines the roles of the main state institutions: Parliament exercises legislative power, the Government holds executive power, and courts exercise judicial power. The President of the Republic has constitutionally defined duties, particularly in foreign policy.
This separation of powers prevents the concentration of authority in a single institution. For example, courts operate independently and cannot be instructed by the Government or Parliament when deciding individual cases.
Why this matters for future citizens
The Constitution protects democracy, legal certainty, and individual rights. Understanding its principles helps future citizens see how Finland balances effective governance with respect for the rule of law. It also explains why public decisions can be challenged and why no authority stands above the law.