The Government has collective ministerial responsibility and represents Finland in the Council of the European Union.

[9]The Government is led by the Prime Minister, considered practically the most powerful single office holder in Finland and often the leader of the largest political party.

A proposed act (Finnish: laki; Swedish: lag) is drafted in the respective ministry under the direction of its minister, after which it is reviewed by the Government and forwarded as a government proposal (Finnish: hallituksen esitys; Swedish: regeringens proposition) to Parliament for processing and possible amendments.

As such, the president has the power of a delaying veto as a check against majority politics and potential violations of international agreements.

Periods of cohabitation, wherein the president and the government represent different political positions, can create strife.

[5] While the Parliament passes acts, the Government or an individual ministry issues decrees (Finnish: asetus; Swedish: förordning) as delegated legislation.

If the Government requires more funds mid-year, they have to submit an additional budget proposal to Parliament.

Out of the total 19 ministerial posts, eight ministers are from the National Coalition, seven from the Finns, three from the Swedish People's Party, and one from the Christian Democrats.