Its government was very free.

The sovereign, as Marquis of Antwerp, was solemnly sworn to govern according to the ancient charters and laws.

The stadholder, as his representative, shared his authority with the four estates of the city.
The Senate of eighteen members was appointed by the stadholder out of a quadruple number nominated by the Senate itself and by the fourth body, called the Borgery.

Half the board was thus renewed annually.

It exercised executive and appellate judicial functions, appointed two burgomasters, and two pensionaries or legal councillors, and also selected the lesser magistrates and officials of the city.