The Ministry remained small until 1967, when it was greatly expanded by Prime Minister Piet de Jong.

The Ministry is comparable to the German Chancellery, the British Cabinet Office, or the U.S. Executive Office of the President, but its designation as a Ministry emphasises the role of Prime Minister of the Netherlands as primus inter pares among the ministers of the government.

The main offices of the Ministry are located in the Binnenhof, the political centre of the Netherlands.

However, starting summer of 2024, due to the renovation of the Binnenhof, the Ministry will be moved temporarily.

Norbert Schmelzer served as State Secretary for General Affairs in the De Quay cabinet from 19 May 1959 until 24 July 1963.