States General of the Netherlands facts for kids

The States General of the Netherlands (Dutch: Staten-Generaal) is like the main parliament or law-making body of the Netherlands. It has two parts, which is why it's called "bicameral." Think of it as having two main rooms where different groups of people work.

These two parts are:

• The Senate (called the Eerste Kamer in Dutch)
• The House of Representatives (called the Tweede Kamer in Dutch)

Both of these important groups meet in a famous building called the Binnenhof in The Hague, which is a big city in the Netherlands. Together, they make laws and decide important things for the country.

What is the States General?

The States General is the official name for the Dutch parliament. It's where elected representatives work to make decisions for everyone in the Netherlands. It's a very old institution that has been around for many centuries.

The Two Chambers

Having two chambers means that laws and decisions are looked at by two different groups of people. This helps make sure that laws are carefully thought out before they are passed.

The House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer)

The House of Representatives is the more powerful of the two chambers. Its members are directly chosen by the people of the Netherlands in elections. They discuss new laws, ask questions to the government, and represent the citizens.

The Senate (Eerste Kamer)

The Senate is often called the "Chamber of Reflection." Its members are not directly elected by the public. Instead, they are chosen by the provincial councils. The Senate reviews laws that have already been approved by the House of Representatives. They check if the laws are well-made and fit within the country's rules. They can approve or reject laws, but they cannot change them.

Where They Meet

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives meet in the historic Binnenhof complex. This famous group of buildings in The Hague has been the center of Dutch politics for hundreds of years. It's a place where important decisions about the future of the Netherlands are made every day.

Images for kids

• 

  The Great Assembly of the States General in 1651.

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  The Binnenhof, seat of the Staten-Generaal

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  The Trêveszaal, where the Council of the Ministers takes place every week and foreign delegations are received

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  The Dutch Senate (Eerste Kamer)

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  The Dutch House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer)

See also

In Spanish: Estados Generales de los Países Bajos para niños