Editing Dutch Republic (section)

== Government ==
The republic was a union of provinces that retained extensive control over their own laws and taxation. Provincial governments also directed their internal administration. Holland and Zeeland formed the commercial core. Utrecht occupied a central position, while Guelders and Overijssel covered much of the eastern territory. Friesland and Groningen completed the seven provinces represented in the States General.

Each province sent delegates to the States General in The Hague and held one vote. Delegates acted under instructions from their provincial governments. The States General directed foreign policy and common defence. It also administered the Generality Lands, which were governed by the union without representation as voting provinces.

Holland was the wealthiest province and paid the largest share of the republic's common expenses. Its grand pensionary led Holland's delegation and negotiated federal policy. The stadtholder was appointed separately by the provinces and usually came from the [[House of Orange-Nassau]]. Stadtholders commanded armed forces and could hold office in more than one province, although the republic also passed through periods without a stadtholder.