The functioning of the States General

During the age of the Dutch Republic, the States General formed the highest administrative body of the Generality. This term was used to indicate the central level of government. Representatives of the Provincial States Colleges sat in the States General. These were the governing bodies of the seven provinces.

The States Colleges themselves determined who they would send to the States General as representatives. The number of representatives did not matter for decision-making. Each of the seven provinces had one vote. At the time, the representatives were called ‘delegates’ (gedputeerden). A distinction was made between ordinary and extraordinary delegates.

The States General operated on the basis of last en ruggespraak (binding mandates). For important decisions, each provincial deputation had to be able to demonstrate that the States College of their province agreed with the position they were taking. This meant that the delegates had to consult their principals on a regular basis. For matters of less importance or urgent issues, the provincial deputations had the freedom to make their own assessment.

For important matters, unanimity was required: all provinces had to agree. Most resolutions were taken by a majority of votes. The voting ratio was never mentioned in the resolutions. Having Concordia res parvae crescunt (“Unity makes strength”) as their motto, The States General wished to come across as a unified body.

The presidency of the States General rotated weekly. The president of the week always represented a different province. He was assisted by the chief clerk (griffier). Together they prepared the meetings. They also ensured that follow-up actions were carried out. The chief clerk headed the secretarial office, the supporting service of the States General. The secretarial office was also responsible for drawing up and, if necessary, copying resolutions.

Much of the executive work of the States General was done by committees. These committees consisted of delegates. They consulted with the Prince of Orange or with members of other government bodies. The committees provided the States General with advice. Sometimes they were given the authority to make decisions themselves. The States General also sought advice from other central administrative bodies, such as the Council of State, and from lower government bodies. Delegates represented the States General beyond The Hague. This could be elsewhere in the Dutch Republic, but it could also involve diplomatic missions abroad. The States General also appointed the permanent diplomatic representatives.

Each resolution of the States General is a step in a longer decision-making process. Issues continued to come up in the meetings until a final decision had been made. In the resolution books we do not read about the discussions that preceded decisions in the States General. Nor do we gain insight into the lobbying process behind the scenes. Additional sources must be consulted for this, such as letters and eyewitness accounts of delegates. Goetgevonden provides insight into the moments when issues were discussed in the States General. It thus offers a good starting point for further research.