Government

The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a constitutional and hereditary monarchy, governed under the 1814 constitution with its many revisions. The kingdom is composed of the Netherlands proper and the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba, in the West Indies. Although the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba are considered integral parts of the kingdom, they have autonomy in local affairs.

The official capital is Amsterdam; the investiture of the monarch and other official ceremonies take place there. The actual seat of government, however, is The Hague, site of the royal residence and the meeting place of the legislature.

Executive power is vested in the crown, and legislative power is vested in the crown and legislature, called States-General. The sovereign is assisted by the council of state, a permanent advisory body appointed by the sovereign. Real executive power rests with the council of ministers, or cabinet, responsible to the States-General Members of the States-General give up their seats on becoming ministers.

The States-General is composed of two houses: the upper, or First Chamber, and the lower, or Second Chamber. The First Chamber consists of 75 members elected for four years by the provincial legislatures. The Second Chamber consists of 150 members elected to four-year terms by the people under proportional representation. There is universal suffrage for citizens aged 18 and over.

The First Chamber votes on bills passed by the Second Chamber, and must approve or reject them without making amendments. The monarch signs all bills passed by the States-General.

The judiciary consists of the High Court of the Netherlands (five judges), 5 courts of appeal, 19 district courts, and 62 cantonal courts, judges are appointed for life.

There are 12 provinces. Each has a legislative body and a six-member executive commission. A commissioner of the sovereign presides over both bodies. All provincial ordinances must be approved by the crown.

There are more than 750 municipalities, varying from rural areas to the great cities. Each municipality has a council elected by the people and a burgomaster (mayor) appointed by the crown.