5.2 Decision-making and government (part 2)

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Chapter 5: The Netherlands after the war

5.2 Decision-making and government

What do you remember from the last lesson?

Important concepts

• Parliament = States General = House of representatives (Tweede Kamer) & the Senate (Eerste Kamer). 
• Cabinet = Ministers + Prime-minister + Secretaries of State.
• Government = Ministers + King.
• Council of ministers = all ministers.

Prime-Minister

• Presides the Council of Ministers.  
• Our current Prime Minister is Mark Rutte.
• We do NOT choose our prime minister. 

Elections

• After the elections, participating parties search for a coalition.
• Together they have a majority.

Elections 

• Normally, the prime-minister is the leader of the largest participating party.
• All the other parties who are not part of the coalition form the opposition.

How does a law come to be?

A civil servant comes with a legislative proposal or ''bill''

The House of Representatives votes on the bill

The Senate votes on the bill

The law is accepted*

The king signs the law

* If the House of Representatives or the Senate votes against the bill, the minister will amend it.

Importance and rights

• The House of representatives is more important than the Senate.

• The House of Representatives together:

• New bills are introduced here (right of initiative)
• Only they are allowed to change a proposal (right of amendment)

• Have the right of interpellation (ask someone for a debate)
• Have the right of inquiry
• Budgetary right

Inquiry

• If the HoR and or the Senate are not satisfied by answers they can create a motion.
• Motion/vote of censure (motie van afkeuring).
• Vote of no confidence (motie van wantrouwen). 

Short quiz

What do you remember?

Does the Senate have the right of inquiry?

1. Yes
2. No

Does the Senate have the right of initiative?

1. Yes
2. No

Does the House of Representatives have the right of amendment?

1. Yes
2. No

Assignment

Make groups of 4. You will be assigned a political party. Use the internet and find out what your party's stance is on these subjects:

- Climate

- Migration

- Covid

- Healthcare