Perustuslait

Perustuslait is the Finnish word for constitution. A constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed. The Constitution of Finland is the supreme law of Finland. It consists of two main documents: the Constitution Act of Finland (Suomen valtiosääntö) and the Parliament Act (Eduskuntalaki).

The Constitution Act of Finland was enacted in 2000, replacing earlier constitutional laws. It outlines the basic structure of the Finnish state, the rights and freedoms of citizens, and the powers and responsibilities of different branches of government, including the Parliament (Eduskunta), the Government (Valtioneuvosto), and the President of the Republic. It emphasizes the principle of parliamentary democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental human rights.

The Parliament Act, also enacted in 2000, complements the Constitution Act by detailing the organization and functioning of the Finnish Parliament. It covers aspects such as the election of members of parliament, the legislative process, and the oversight of the government. Together, these documents form the legal foundation of the Finnish political system, ensuring stability, accountability, and the protection of democratic values. Amendments to the Finnish constitution require a qualified majority in Parliament and, in some cases, a period of time for public consideration.