Vroedschap

The Vroedschap was the name of the magistrate in the early modern Netherlands: a member of a Municipal Council Vroedman was called, literally a " wise man ". An honorary title of Vroedschap was " Vroede vaderen ", the "wise fathers ".

History

Most modern Dutch cities were ( called Poorter ) from a Government of male citizens who had ruled the city rights, ie members of the ruling class or elite were. In the late Middle Ages, it had reached this patrician gradually in all the cities to eliminate the artisans of the membership and to make it as a hereditary nobility city. In the former Dutch Republic was the city council of the City Council and the Vroedschap. The magistrate ( or the city administration) consisted of a number (usually four) mayors, utilizing a number of councilors ( " Schepen " ) assisted, and which led the daily operations of the city government. In most cities, the mayors were determined for a period of four years. The previous (and usually the most recent) mayor was responsible for the " Schutterij " vigilantes. The Vroedschap appointed the magistrate, mostly from its own ranks; sometimes other members of the ruling class have been proposed. There was a complicated system of drawing lots and in many cities has created a list of the shortlist from which the oranische governor, the highest provincial government officials, could choose. In 1748, the end of the Second place strapless period, it was determined in the Dutch Republic to the general electoral system.

The Vroedschap was convened in financial matters, sometimes with national political issues, and always for elections for the appointment of important local posts. So was the Vroedschap mainly economic interests that its members had an important share. In contrast to the magistrates ' Vroedschapsleden " (members of the city council ) were appointed for life. The council consisted of ten to 14 citizens who met weekly or less frequently. They determined in January of each year one or two new mayors and representatives of the provinces.

The membership was basically a question of " Uitverkiezing " ( co-opting ) and heredity. Family ties were very important, but also good education and social status. The " Vroedmannen " had to satisfy two conditions: a member of the Calvinist church and owning a home. Although the municipalities to represent rather an oligarchy than a meritocracy by today's standards, established family ties never a legal basis for a choice dar.

In times of crisis, the respective governors certain than the highest provincial government officials to ensure that the new Vroedschapsleden the Orange followers came to power. This process which was completed on any legal basis was called Wetsverzetting (change of legislature). One such took place in Amsterdam in 1619, after the fall of Johan of Oldenbarnevelt, 1672, the Rampjaar, 1748, the end of the Second place strapless period and in 1787 after the arrival of the Prussians and the destruction of the Dutch Patriot movement.