Staten-Generaal

The Staten-Generaal (States-General) is the parliament of Knootoss. It is referred to as 'the parliament' in day-to-day converssation. The Staten-Generaal is a unicameral parliament with 200 elected members, but this has not always been so. The meeting rooms of the Staten-Generaal are located at the Binnenhof (Inner Court) in the Hague.

History

Historically the convocation of the Staten-Generaal consisted of delegates from the provincial estates, and dated from about the middle of the 15th century. In the United Provinces of Knootoss it was claimed by some to be carrying sovereignty over Knootoss, while others contended this was in the hands of the Stadtholders. Under the Stewards, it was considered to be a mere advisory body that was gradually given more powers through succesive constitutions and democratic reforms.

Twice in the history of the United Provinces was the power of the Staten-Generaal absolute: during the First Stadtholderless Era (1650-1672) at the zenith of Knootian power and during the Second Stadtholderless Era (1702-1747) when the Republic was in decline. With the demise of the Stewards it was reformed again and given full democratic powers.