ABSTRACT
The Kingdom of the Netherlands calls itself a decentralized, unitary state, with a system of constitutional parliamentary monarchy. “Decentralized” means that there are governmental bodies for not only the whole nation but also every province, and every municipality. Some other bodies, with non-territorial responsibilities, also have governmental powers. “Unitary” means that governmental bodies must not work against each other. Governmental bodies with territorial responsibilities are of three types: national government, the governments of the 12 provinces and municipal governments. Legislative power lies with the government and parliament. Together, they constitute the formal legislator and both can take the initiative in proposing legislation. Rights of ownership over land and property are regulated in principle by the civil code, the new version of which came into force on 1 January 1992. The owner of property may grant to others another type of right over his property, called a contractual right.
