The parliament or States-General of the Netherlands consists of two chambers, the Lower House and
the Upper House.
The Lower House is the more important of the two chambers and consists of 150 directly elected
representatives. The main role of the Lower House is to discuss legislation and monitor the actions
of the Cabinet. The Cabinet being the Prime Minister and his/her ministers. The Cabinet or the Lower
House can propose new legislation and if adopted by the Lower House it is then passed on to the
Upper House, also known as the Senate.
The Upper House or Senate has the right to accept or reject bills passed by the lower house but does
not have the ability to amend or initiate bills.
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