THE HAGUE - Exterior of the Council of State building on the Kneuterdijk in The Hague. The former city palace was built in 1716 by order of Johan Hendrik, Count of Wassenaar Obdam. In 1816 it was purchased by King William I as a wedding gift for Crown Prince William II and his wife Anna Paulowna. The Council of State is a High Council of State and has two tasks: an advisory task and a judicial task. It occupies an independent position, (constitutionally) established. The Council of State is the most important legislative advisor to the government and the Senate and House of Representatives. The Administrative Jurisdiction Division of the Council of State is the highest general administrative court in the country and administers justice in disputes between citizens and government.