STATES GENERAL Meaning and
Definition
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The term "States General" refers to a representative assembly or governing body that historically existed in several countries, primarily in continental Europe. The States General typically comprised representatives from various regions or estates within a country and played a crucial role in legislative, administrative, and constitutional matters.
In the context of the Netherlands, the States General, or Staaten-Generaal in Dutch, constituted the national authority. It consisted of two chambers, the Senate, and the House of Representatives, representing the power of the nobility and the urban bourgeoisie, respectively. The States General had the authority to discuss, debate, negotiate, and enact laws, policies, and decisions affecting the entire nation.
Similarly, in France, the concept of States General, also known as États généraux in French, referred to an assembly representing the different estates or social classes of the country. Comprising the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners, this body was convened by the French monarchy during times of crisis, specifically to address pressing political, social, or financial issues. It is most famously known for its meeting in 1789, which eventually led to the French Revolution.
Overall, irrespective of the country, the term "States General" signifies a representative gathering of individuals or groups holding distinct powers and responsibilities to participate in decision-making, law-making, and governance, serving as a crucial pillar of democracy and institutional governance.
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In French hist., the assembly of the three orders of the kingdom, the nobles, the clergy, and the people; in the Netherlands, the legislative body, consisting of two chambers.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for STATES GENERAL
- atates general
- ztates general
- xtates general
- dtates general
- wtates general
- srates general
- sfates general
- sgates general
- syates general
- s6ates general
- s5ates general
- stztes general
- ststes general
- stwtes general
- stqtes general
- stares general
- stafes general
- stages general
- stayes general
- sta6es general
Etymology of STATES GENERAL
The term "States General" originates from the medieval period and is primarily associated with the Netherlands. The word "States" comes from the Middle Dutch word "Staten", which means "Estates" or "States". In this context, it referred to different segments or groups within society, typically representing the clergy, the nobility, and the common people.
The word "General" refers to the concept of a general assembly or gathering that encompasses all these different segments or estates of society. Therefore, "States General" can be understood as the assembly of the different representative groups or estates in the Netherlands.
Over time, the term "States General" became associated with the formal representative body of the Dutch government, consisting of the Senate (First Chamber) and the House of Representatives (Second Chamber). The States General remains an important political institution in the Netherlands to this day.
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