In the Netherlands, the Council of State (Dutch: ) is a constitutionally established advisory body to the Dutch Government and States General that consists of members of the royal family and Crown-appointed members generally having political, commercial, diplomatic or military experience. The Council of State must be consulted by the cabinet on proposed legislation before a law is submitted to parliament. The Council of State Administrative Law division also serves as one of the four highest courts of appeal in administrative matters. The King is president of the Council of State but he seldomly chairs meetings. The Vice-President of the Council of State chairs meetings in their absence. Under Dutch constitutional law, the Vice-President of the Council is acting head of state when there is no monarch such as if the royal family were to become extinct. It was founded in 1531, making it one of the oldest, still active, governmental organizations in the world.