kolmijärjestelmä

The kolmijärjestelmä, meaning "three-system" in Finnish, is a concept primarily encountered in Finnish constitutional law and administrative practice. It refers to the division of governmental powers and responsibilities into three distinct but interconnected branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This principle is a cornerstone of the separation of powers, a fundamental tenet of modern democratic governance aimed at preventing the concentration of authority and ensuring checks and balances within the state apparatus.

The legislative branch in Finland is primarily the Parliament (Eduskunta), responsible for enacting laws and approving the state budget. The executive branch is headed by the Government (Valtioneuvosto), which implements laws and manages the day-to-day administration of the country. This includes ministries and various administrative agencies. The judicial branch, comprising courts of law, is tasked with interpreting and applying the law, resolving disputes, and ensuring that the actions of the legislative and executive branches comply with the constitution.

The kolmijärjestelmä ensures that each branch operates independently yet can influence and oversee the others. For instance, the Parliament scrutinizes the Government's actions, and the courts can review the legality of administrative decisions. This tripartite structure is designed to uphold the rule of law, protect individual rights, and maintain a stable and accountable government. While the specific institutional arrangements may differ from those in other countries, the underlying principle of dividing governmental power into legislative, executive, and judicial functions is universal to the kolmijärjestelmä.