Source: Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal
Article

What does the House of Representatives do?

Last updated: 15/08/2025, 07:35

On Dutch news sites you often read about the House of Representatives. For example, when there are elections or new laws are made. But what exactly is the House of Representatives? And what are the tasks of the members of parliament? In this article you will get the answers.

Duties of the House of Representatives

The House of Representatives has three main tasks: to make laws, to control the government and to represent the Dutch people.

1. To make laws

Together with the

government
and the Senate, the House of Representatives makes new laws. Members debate bills, can make amendments or
motions
 and vote on the bill. The Senate will only proceed with the bill if a majority vote for it.

Want to learn more about how a law comes about? Please read this article on RefugeeHelp.

2. Control the government

The House of Representatives checks that the government is doing its job properly. Members may ask questions of ministers and submit motions if they want to draw attention to something. If a minister makes a decision, the minister must be open and clear about it to the House of Representatives. The House of Representatives can force a cabinet, minister or state secretary to resign by withdrawing confidence.

3. Represent the Dutch people

Members of the House of Representatives represent the people of the Netherlands. They keep in touch with citizens, civil society organisations and

interest groups
, and bring their concerns and ideas to the debate. During elections, the Dutch elect their representatives to the House of Representatives.

Who may become a member of the House of Representatives?

Not everyone is allowed to become a member of the House of Representatives. According to the

Dutch constitution
, a few important conditions apply: you must be at least 18 years old, have Dutch citizenship,
have the right to vote
, and you may not be a member of the Senate at the same time.

What are members allowed to do?

House of Representatives members have certain rights that help them do their jobs well. For example, they may:

  • Ask questions of ministers.

  • Submit motions.

  • Submit bills.

  • Propose

    amendments
    to bills.

  • Request information from ministers, who are required to respond.

  • Approve or reject the

    Government budget
    .

  • Have a minister or

    secretary of state
    come in for an emergency debate.

How does politics work in the House of Representatives?

Members of the House of Representatives belong to a political party. Each party wants to stand up for certain groups in society. After elections, the newly elected members make choices to best represent the interests of these groups. They discuss those choices within their

political group
.

In the Netherlands, several parties usually team up. If together they have a majority - at least 76 out of 150 seats - they form a

coalition
. The parties in the coalition often provide ministers and together form the cabinet.

The other parties form the

opposition
. They control the cabinet. They also try to exert influence through debates, motions or bills.

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