Finnish Senate

The Finnish Senate was Finland's governing body from 1809 to 1918, functioning as the government during that period, especially under Russian rule. It coordinated administration, foreign policy, and legal matters, effectively acting as the executive branch. In 1918, it was replaced by the modern government system, with the Senate's functions divided between the President and Parliament. The term “Senate” is also used historically for the Finnish National Assembly before independence. Overall, it was the central authority in Finland’s governance during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, playing a key role in modernizing and shaping the country's institutions.