Van Maarseveen became a Member of the House of Representatives following the appointment of Carel Goseling as Minister of Justice in the Cabinet Colijn IV, taking office on 21 September 1937.

On 10 May 1940 Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands and the government fled to London to escape the German occupation.

Following the end of World War II Queen Wilhelmina ordered a Recall of Parliament and Van Maarseveen remained a Member of the House of Representatives, taking office on 20 November 1945.

After the election of 1946 Van Maarseveen was appointed as Minister of Justice in the Cabinet Beel I, taking office on 3 July 1946.

Van Maarseveen was appointed as Minister of Colonial Affairs following the resignation Maan Sassen, taking office on 14 February 1949.