The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral (two-chamber) parliament, called the Staten Generaal. Although Amsterdam is the capital, the Dutch parliament, government ministries and foreign embassies are all based in Den Haag (The Hague). Unusually, the monarch is part of the government, and Queen Beatrix (whose powers are mostly ceremonial) is the current head of state. The Dutch monarchy is referred to as being a 'cycling monarchy' due to its more informal relationship with the public than, for example, the British royal family. Centuries of life in the contained communities of the polders (with the constant threat of flooding if anyone undermines the defences) have resulted in the Dutch becoming known for their planning, organisation and pursuit of consensus. This is reflected in the country's political structures, where the philosophy of the 'Poldermodel' endures.