Constitution of the Netherlands Antilles - Definition

The Constitution of the Netherlands Antilles (1954) is a codified document (constitution) describing the foundation of the government of the Netherlands Antilles - it is known as a staatsregeling, as is the Constitution of Aruba.

The region is still part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and hence has no autonomy over issues including defence, foreign affairs, citizenship and extradition. However, like European Netherlands and Aruba it is autonomous over internal affairs and the three are constitutionally equal.

The region has a federal government underwhich state governments operate, as described by the constitution. It sets out for a the federal government of three parts: Governor-General of the Nertherlands Antilles, reperenting the Monarch of the Netherlands; a Council of Ministers; and a four-year elected 22-member parliament.