How did the Batavian Republic change the system of government in the Netherlands?

The Batavian Republic (1795–1806) fundamentally transformed the Dutch system of government by replacing the decentralized, historic provincial structure with a modern, unitary state.1

Key changes included:

• Centralization: The ancient, unequal provinces were replaced by a system of departments and electoral constituencies with roughly equal populations.1
• Separation of Powers: The previous system of overlapping boards and assemblies was replaced by clearly defined legislative, executive, and judicial branches, supported by functionally organized ministries.1
• National Representation: The historic States General was replaced by a National Assembly, where deputies acted with independent judgment rather than as bound delegates of provincial assemblies.1
• Legal Equality: The republic proclaimed the full legal equality of all citizens, granting equal rights to residents of previously excluded districts like North Brabant and Limburg.1
• Religious Equality: The Reformed Church lost its status as the sole official church, with equal status granted to other religions, including Roman Catholicism and Judaism.1
• Abolition of Privileges: Historic class and local privileges were abolished, establishing the principle of liberty under the law for all citizens.1