06 State Structure and Rule of Law

Question 1

What is the Netherlands State Structure (monarch/demo)

Answer 1

Constitutionele monarchie and parlementaire democratie.

Question 2

Who is the head of state and what do they do?

Answer 2

Koning Willem-Alexander is the head of state. He represents the country but does not make laws. His role is ceremonial (signing laws and opening Parliament).

Question 3

Who forms the governments (regering)?

Answer 3

The king and the ministers form the government. The Prime Minister (Minister-President) leads the government

Question 4

Who forms the Parliament (Het Parlement)?

Answer 4

The staten-generaal (general states) is the Dutch Parliament. It has two chambers:

1. House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) 150 members that are elected directly and make laws.
2. Senate (Eerste Kamer), 75 members and reviews laws.

Question 5

What do provinces, municipalities and water boards do?

Answer 5

Provinces manage regional policies. Municipalities handle local administration (housing, roads, social services), and water boards manage dikes, rivers, and flood control.

Question 6

What is the Rule of Law (Rechtsstaat)

Answer 6

Everyone must follow the law, everyone is equal before the law, judges are independent and citizens have rights and duties which are protected by the constitution.

Question 7

What is the Grondwet?

Answer 7

The dutch constitution which sets basic rights and protects freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and equality.

Question 8

How are members of the Senate (eerste kamer) elected?

Answer 8

They are elected indirectly. The provincial representatives elect the senate.