What does the Senate do?
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The decisions of the Senate have a lot of influence on what happens in the Netherlands. What exactly is the Senate? And why are its decisions so important? In this article you will read why the Senate plays a major role in the governance of the Netherlands.
What is the Senate?
The
The Senate is an important part of the Dutch parliament. Together with the House of Representatives, it forms the
How does the Senate work?
New laws usually begin in the House of Representatives. The plans are discussed, amended and approved there. They then go to the Senate.
Senators look at whether a bill is properly written down, whether it can be implemented and whether it is allowed under the Dutch constitution and other laws.
They discuss the plans in meetings and ask questions to the
After the debate, senators vote on the bill. If the majority vote in favour, it becomes an official law. If they vote against it, the government must amend or withdraw the plan.
The Senate can also ask ministers and
The Senate consults with civil society organisations
The Senate often discusses laws with experts who have practical experience with the subject. Therefore, senators sometimes receive letters or advice from
Civil society organisations, such as
In this, the Senate operates differently from the House of Representatives: senators do not conduct negotiations or make new policies themselves. Their job is primarily to properly review existing bills.
Why is the Senate important?
The Senate ensures that laws are properly checked before being introduced. That way it prevents mistakes in the law or the unfairness of a rule.
This work is important for everyone in the Netherlands. Decisions in the Senate can affect everyday life: from rent and healthcare to education, work and asylum. By looking critically at laws, the Senate helps to ensure that the country is governed fairly and well.