The size of the States General in Constitutional historical and comparative French perspective

This research project deals with the seats of the Houses in relation to their constitutional powers.

The Senate and House of Representatives (States General) play a fundamental role in the Dutch legal system. They represent the Dutch people and have two core tasks: co-legislating and controlling the executive.

Over the years, the core tasks of the States General have become increasingly extensive and complex, with the result that the work not only of individual parliamentarians but also of the parliamentary institution as a whole has been made more difficult: an increasing number of parliamentarians are struggling with burnout, parliament is highly fragmented, and criticism of its functioning is increasing.

Although the number of cabinet members is flexible and increasing, the size of the Houses is constitutionally fixed: the House of Representatives has 150 members and the Senate has 75 members. Is this seat number due for reassessment?

Duration of the project

2024 - 2027

Awarded grant

200,000 euros, obtained from the KNAW Program Thorbecke Statesman Fund

Contact person at our Faculty

Prof. mr. dr. H.E. (Herman) Bröring
Mr. dr. G. (Gohar) Karapetian

Website with additional information