The Democratic Way 4: The Senate, later the Council of State

Summary

In 1812, Finland's capital was relocated from Turku to Helsinki under the emperor's decree, influenced by Russian Empire architecture. A grand palace, now known as the Government Palace, was constructed to house the Senate of Finland and central administration. For a century, it was the sole seat of government until independence led to the expansion into other buildings. Today, it hosts the Prime Minister's office and key ministries, with the Council of State formed by parliamentary election and reliant on parliamentary confidence, overseen by the Prime Minister.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ In 1812, the capital of Finland was relocated from Turku to Helsinki by the emperor's order to be closer to Saint Petersburg.
• 🏙️ Helsinki's Senate Square saw the rise of a palace inspired by Russian architecture, which now serves as the Government Palace.
• 🏢 The palace, adorned with classical arches and columns, was the central hub for Finland's administration and government activities.
• 🏛️ The Senate of Finland, including the government and central administration with its ministries and offices, was housed in this palace for a century.
• 🇫🇮 After Finnish independence, the government expanded to other buildings, which were renamed to reflect their new functions.
• 📚 The former Senate now only houses the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Finance, and the Office of the Chancellor of Justice.
• 🏆 The Council of State, or the Government of Finland, is formed through parliamentary elections and must maintain the confidence of the parliament.
• 👨‍💼 The Prime Minister has the role of directing the work of the government and coordinating the preparation and handling of government business.
• 🏢 The central administration's work was essential for the country's development before regular parliamentary activity was established.
• 📈 The concentration of government in one area for 100 years indicates a historical period of centralized governance in Finland.
• 🔄 The renaming of buildings post-independence signifies the transition and reorganization of the Finnish government structure.

Q & A

Why was the capital of Finland moved from Turku to Helsinki in 1812?

The capital was moved to bring it closer to Saint Petersburg, reflecting the influence of the Russian Empire at the time.

What architectural style influenced the construction of the great palace on Helsinki Senate Square?

The architecture of the Russian Empire inspired the design of the palace, which features classical arches and columns.

What is the current name of the palace that was built to house the Senate of Finland?

The palace is now known as the Government Palace.

What was the role of the palace adorned with classical arches and columns?

It housed Finland's central administration, which was crucial for the country's development before regular parliamentary activity.

How long did the Government Palace serve as the sole location for the Finnish government?

The Government Palace served as the concentrated location for the government for 100 years.

What changes occurred to the government buildings and their names following Finnish independence?

After independence, other buildings were taken into use and were renamed accordingly to accommodate the expanding government functions.

Which government offices currently reside in the former Senate building?

The former Senate now houses the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Finance, and the Office of the Chancellor of Justice.

What is the Council of State, and how is it formed in Finland?

The Council of State, or the Government of Finland, is formed by parliamentary election and must enjoy the confidence of Parliament.

Who is responsible for directing the work of the Finnish government?

The Prime Minister directs the work of the government and coordinates the preparation and handling of government business.

What was the significance of the central administration in the early years of Finland's development?

The central administration was a prerequisite for the development of the country, managing the government's affairs before the establishment of regular parliamentary activity.

How has the government's distribution across buildings evolved since the time of the Senate of Finland?

The government has expanded beyond the original palace, with various ministries and offices now located in different buildings, reflecting the growth and complexity of the state's administration.