Does the brake light switch control more than just the brake light?

I removed my switch after it died and tried driving the car without it to go get a new one....but when I tried to stop/slow down, the brake pedal pressed all the way to the floor and I had to pump it a few times to get any braking power. It felt just like a master cylinder gone bad.

I figured it was okay to drive, thinking that the switch only operates the actual light, but is this a function of the switch that will be corrected once the new one is installed?

 

Well, after I put in the new brake switch, all was good. Brake light worked, was able to shift out of park, and no problems with the brakes on a test drive.

Pleased with my results, I returned home, slammed a bottle of wine and shagged the Mrs. something rotten.