ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces a case study approach to open what is still largely a block box of coalition politics: the different types of effects of coalition agreements, and the conditions on which these effects occur. It provides a more extensive introduction to the politics of coalition agreements in Belgium and The Netherlands, and presents a case selection. Conflictual issues are input of government formation, and written arrangements on these issues are the output. In both countries, there has been debate on the status of agreements and even on the supposed tension between the practice of formulating agreements and parliamentary democracy. In one view, coalition agreements have drastically reduced the role of parliament. Government formation in the Netherlands and Belgium is not always preceded by parliamentary elections. Government formation consists of three stages, with policy negotiations often following after a party combination is formed. The distribution of portfolios is always the final stage.
