User:Bit ohms/sandbox

The federal government was called the Generality (States General). Under the States General were a variety of administrative bodies, such as the Council of States (Raad van State) and the Admiralty Colleges. Each province was entitled to one vote regardless of how many delegates they sent to the States General. The Council of State was an executive body of the States General. Prior to 1588, the Council of State had been the primary governing agent in the United Provinces. After this time, it became the primary administrative body of the State General. As such, it administered the military and garrisons. One of the chief roles of the States General was to administer the Generality Lands (originally States Flanders, States Brabant, Maastricht and the Overmaas). Another duty was to levy quotas from the provinces in support of the military. The military budget was prepared by this body and presented to the States General. The Commander-in-Chief was appointed by the States General. Although the States General was at the center of the Dutch government, the Provincial States exercised a large degree of sovereignty which, in turn, was limited by the autonomy of the towns and regions. The Advocate of Holland was the legal adviser to the States of Holland. He presided over and conducted the business of the States General and the Commissioned Councilors. He was the leader and spokesman of the Holland deputies in the States General.

Currently not in use.