The Democratic Way 1: 150 years of representative democracy

Summary

In 2013, Finland celebrated 150 years since its four estates convened after a long political absence. Since 1809, Finland had been an autonomous grand duchy under Russia, governed by its senate with inherited Swedish laws. In 1863, Emperor Alexander II initiated a reform program, leading to significant legislative development. Finland became the first European country to elect its parliament by popular vote in 1907, declared independence in 1917, and established its constitution in 1919. The Finnish Parliament, directly elected by the people, plays a central role in legislation and government formation, ensuring representative democracy and EU directive compliance.

Takeaways

• 🎉 Finland celebrated 150 years of representative democracy in 2013, marking a significant milestone in its political history.
• 🏛️ Since 1809, Finland had been an autonomous grand duchy within the Russian Empire, governed by its own senate under laws inherited from Swedish rule.
• 📜 More extensive reforms in Finland required the approval of both the emperor and the country's representatives, leading to the opening of the Council of the Estates in 1863.
• 👑 Emperor Alexander II initiated the assembly of the Council of the Estates in Helsinki, tasking it with a diverse reform program in 1863.
• 📝 The reform program resulted in the drafting of numerous new laws and decrees, contributing to Finland's rapid development as an independent nation.
• 🗳️ In 1907, Finland became the first European country to elect its parliament by popular vote, a pioneering step in democratic representation.
• 🏛️ In 1917, the Finnish Parliament proclaimed the country's official independence, and two years later, the constitution was ratified.
• 👥 Authority in Finland is vested in the people, who are represented by the assembled parliament, emphasizing the principle of representative democracy.
• 📊 The parliament is composed of 200 members directly elected by the people, ensuring a democratic and representative legislative body.
• 🤝 Parliamentarians maintain contact with the voting public and interest groups, playing a central role in shaping Finnish society through legislation.
• 🏢 Since 2000, the Parliament has also been central to the formation of the government, scrutinizing and implementing EU directives in line with Finnish law.
• 🏢 The Parliament House, built specifically for the parliament, was inaugurated in 1931, providing a permanent and purpose-built venue for legislative sessions.

Q & A

What significant event occurred in 2013 for Finnish representative democracy?

In 2013, there was a cause for celebration as it marked the 150th anniversary of the Diet session in which representatives of Finland's four estates attended after a long hiatus.

What was the status of Finland between 1809 and 1863?

Between 1809 and 1863, Finland had the status of an autonomous grand duchy within the Russian Empire, governed by its own senate according to laws inherited from the period of Swedish rule.

Why was the Diet session opened in Helsinki on September 18th, 1863?

The Diet session was opened by Emperor Alexander II to embark on a diverse program of reform, which required the emperor's and the country's approval for more extensive reforms and funding.

What was the result of the reforms initiated in 1863?

The results of the reforms were the drafting of many new laws and decrees, leading to the country's rapid development as an independent nation.

In what year did Finland become the first country in Europe to elect its parliament by popular vote?

Finland became the first country in Europe to elect its parliament by popular vote in 1907.

How did Finland officially proclaim its independence?

Finland's independence was officially proclaimed by its parliament in late 1917 and ratified through its constitution two years later.

According to the Finnish constitution, where is the authority in Finland vested?

According to the Finnish constitution, authority in Finland is vested in the people, represented in session by the assembled parliament.

What is the role of the parliamentarians between elections?

Between elections, the role of the parliamentarians is to keep in contact with the voting public and various interest groups, playing a central role in shaping Finnish society through legislation.

How does the Finnish Parliament interact with the European Union directives?

The Finnish Parliament scrutinizes European Union directives and transposes or implements them in compliance with the Finnish legislative process.

Where did the assembly initially convene in Helsinki?

Initially, the assembly convened in Helsinki at the House of Nobility and thereafter the House of Estates.

When was the purpose-built Parliament House inaugurated?

The purpose-built Parliament House was inaugurated in March 1931.