Government Systems of

the Netherlands
April 2016

Background
In the past the Netherlands was considered a republic with a union of provinces.
The Netherlands is
currently a constitutional Monarchy, meaning that the Dutch monarch has no true political power instead it
serves as representative head of state and a symbolic person uniting the divided parliamentary politics. As
of now the Dutch abide by their parliament. For there to be order The Netherlands not only relies on their
government, political parties, but the Prime Minister, and the King.

Parliament
The parliament has 150 seat and consist of the three large parties. At one point there was only a need for
two of the three large parties, but as time progressed they became required to invite all three large parties.
The large parties include: left-wing PvdA (Labour; social-democrat), centrist CDA (christian-democrat), and
right-wing VVD (liberal). The Parliament consists of two chambers. The Lower House is elected every 4
years, with only political parties being able to vote. The total number of members is 150. A role of this lower
chamber consists of managing the budget and has the right to to submit amendments, start own inquires,
and interpellation. The Senate has 75 members who are in charge of approving and rejecting laws.

The King is Willem-Alexander

Has been the king since 2013.Is considered the head of state. His main jobs consist of
nominating mayors and politicians.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte

Mark Rutte has been Prime Minister since 2010 and is the Leader of the People's
Party.Is the head of the government.
The Prime Minister is also in charge of the

Ministry of General Affairs. Ministry also has the responsibility of handling matters
relating to general government policy in the Kingdom. This is rare because in other
countries these are not exactly dealt with by other Ministries.

Sources

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http://www.amsterdam.info/netherlands/political-system/
https://www.government.nl/government/contents/members-of-cabinet/mark-rutte
http://www.quirksmode.org/politics/