In its declaration of principles (Beginselverklaring), DS'70 argued that whilst the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) lacked the comprehension of the necessity of social and economic reforms, the PvdA had acquired "anarchist" and unrealistic pacifist aspirations.

In the 1972 general election, the party lost two seats, and it was confined to opposition to the PvdA-headed Den Uyl cabinet.

The party leader Willem Drees Jr. was seen as conservatively social democratic, lacking a willingness to reform and the ability to oppose the Den Uyl cabinet fiercely.

The DS'70 was critical towards immigration; the party wanted to restrict the migration of Dutch citizens from Suriname.

However, DS'70 was progressive on other issues: The party did support a modern natural environmental policy with strong public transport and restrained automobile use.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the party became more socially conservative, emphasizing family values and civic society.

Drees lost the last two elections and was criticized for his alleged solistic behaviour and lack of charisma.

At the beginning of the 1980s, the famous Dutch chess player Max Euwe featured as a DS'70 lijstduwer in the elections for the House of Representatives.