State in Netherlands

The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. The King is the head of state, while ministers lead the government and are responsible for political decisions. The national government is called the Rijksoverheid. It prepares policies, proposes laws, manages national services, and represents the country in international affairs. The parliament is called the Staten-Generaal. It has two chambers: the Tweede Kamer, or House of Representatives, and the Eerste Kamer, or Senate. The Tweede Kamer checks the government, debates proposals, and helps make laws. The Eerste Kamer reviews laws that have already passed the Tweede Kamer and can approve or reject them. The Prime Minister and other ministers form the Council of Ministers. A cabinet may also include state secretaries, who help ministers with specific areas of work. The Netherlands is a decentralised unitary state. National rules apply across the country, but provinces and municipalities have their own elected councils and responsibilities. Provinces coordinate matters such as regional planning, nature, infrastructure, and public transport. Municipalities handle many local services, including registration, building matters, social support, and local facilities. Water authorities, known as waterschappen, are a distinctive Dutch form of public administration. They focus on water safety, water levels, and water quality, which are especially important in a low-lying country.