Chapter XII: Section IV: Of the Law

ART. 1. The laws of Holland being made by the concurrence of the
legislative body, formed of the assembly of their high mightinesses
and of the king; the legislative body shall be composed of thirty-nine
members, elected for five years, and named in the following
proportions, viz. for the department of Holland, seventeen members,
for that of Guelderland, four; for that of Brabant, four; for that of
Friesland, four; for that of Overyssel, three; for that of Zealand,
two; for that of Groningen, two; for that of Utrecht, two; for the
country of Drenthe, one. The number of the members of their high
mightinesses may be augmented by the law, in case of the
aggrandizement of territory.

2. For this time, in order to proceed to the nomination of the
nineteen members of their high mightinesses, by whom the number
determined in the preceding article will be completed, the assembly of
their high mightinesses shall present to the king a list of two
candidates to fill each of the places. The departmental assembly of
each department shall equally propose a double list of candidates. The
king will make the election among the proposed candidates.

3. The grand pensionary for the time being shall take the title of
president of their high mightinesses, and shall remain in office in
this character during his life. The choice of his successors shall
take place in the manner determined by the constitution of 1805.

4. The legislative body shall elect from itself a notary by a majority
of votes.

5. The legislative body shall reassemble as usual twice a year, viz.
from the 15th of April to the 1st of June, and from the 15th of
November to the 15th of January. An extraordinary convocation may be
made by the king on the 15th of November in every year; the oldest
fifth of the members forming the legislative body shall retire from
the same. The first going out shall take place the 15th of November
1807; and for this time the persons going out shall be determined by
lot. The members who go out shall be always re-eligible.