[ImpressiveWebs]

As I understand it, it was indeed a Netflix original, but the plans for who would be in it, who would direct it, what it was about, etc. were already in place before Netflix got involved. Again, I'm no expert on the subject either, but that's how I understand what Wikipedia explains:

"MRC approached different networks about the series, including HBO, Showtime and AMC, but Netflix, hoping to launch its own original programming, outbid the other networks. Ted Sarandos, Netflix's Chief Content Officer, looked at the data of Netflix user's streaming habits and concluded that there was an audience for Fincher and Spacey."

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Cards_%28U.S._TV_serie...)

See the sources linked in those paragraphs, where those statements are summarized from.