Parliament represents the people. The Dutch Parliament (or "States-General") consists of two houses:
- the House of Representatives (the lower house), with 150 members, elected by Dutch citizens aged 18 and over
- the Senate (upper house), with 75 members, elected by the provincial councils.
The Senate and the House of Representatives scrutinise the work of the Government. The House of Representatives, where governing coalitions come together and fall apart, is at the heart of Dutch politics. The House calls ministers to account for their policies. It may also amend bills. And it may force the Government or individual ministers or state secretaries to resign by passing a motion of no confidence.
