<P> The three newly chosen were called "Reigning - Burgomasters" for that year . For the first three months after a new election, the Burgomaster of the year before presides . After that time, it was supposed the new ones had learned the "Forms and Duties of their Office", and acquainted with the state of the city's affairs, so the three new burgomasters had the privilege to preside by turns . </P> <P> The burgomasters functioned as the executive of the city government . They were in command of the civic guard (the famous militia companies of the Dutch paintings) and troops stationed in the city . They appointed the city functionaries such as the administrators in charge of the welfare of orphans and of vacant succession, charitable institutions, and the captains of the companies of the civic guard . issue out all Monies out of the common Stock or Treasure, judging alone what is necessary for the Safety, Convenience, or Dignity of the City . They also kept the Key of the Bank of Amsterdam, which at the time functioned as one of the central banks of the nations of Europe . The vaults were never opened without one of them present . They were also in charge of all the public works of the city, such as the ramparts, public buildings (for example the great Amsterdam City Hall, now a Royal Palace). </P> <P> The salary of a Burgomaster of Amsterdam was 500 guilders a year, though there are offices worth ten times as much at their disposal . None of them was known to have taken bribes: a credit to the integrity of the system . </P> <P> Most cities, Amsterdam being no exception, employed a pensionary . He was the leading functionary and legal adviser of the principal town corporations in the Netherlands . They received a salary, or pension, hence the name . The office originated in Flanders, and was originally known by the name of clerk or advocate . The earliest pensionaries in Holland were those of Dordrecht (1468) and of Haarlem (1478). The pensionary conducted the legal business of the town, and was the secretary of the city council . He was also one of the city's representatives and spokesman at the meetings of the provincial States . The post of pensionary was permanent . As the official who kept a large part of the town's business in his hands, and had the most knowledge and experience, his influence was as great on the city level as the corresponding office, the Councillor Pensionary of Holland, was at the provincial and national level . Johan de Witt was originally pensionary of Dordrecht before he was appointed Councillor Pensionary of Holland . </P>

Who had voting rights in the dutch republic during the seventeenth century