Discovering other cultures and their political historyIn 3rd May 1791 Polish parliament announced the signing of the Constitution. It was the 2nd codified constitution in the world as it was set soon after the US Constitution (1788). It was also the first Constitution in Europe. Effectively, it lasted only for a year, until the Russo- Polish War of 1792.
The Constitution was aiming to improve the situation in the country after the “1st Dividing period in Poland”, stabilising the bases of the new system in Poland (System of Golden Liberty).
Thanks to the Constitution the Liberum Veto rule was abolished that previously put the parliament at the mercy of any deputy who might choose, or be bribed by an interest or foreign power, to undo legislation passed by that parliament. The three powers were introduced to the state, Judiciary (parliament and ministers), Executive (monarch as a head of the country and his so called ‘guardians of the law’) and The Court Power (Legislature). Poland became a Constitutional Monarch based on power spread and democratic election (candidate chosen with the most of the votes).
In the first stage, the new law about so called “small parliaments” (parliament gatherings) was introduced, in 1791. Poland was still divided into states but the aristocracy influences on the election, state’s ruling and Senate were reduced. Lower classes (city classes/in between middle and lower class) were allowed to purchase their own goods, lands and properties. State’s power became more centralized keeping its immunity from The Crown and Lithuania (neighbors). The Government became more stabilized, the army and treasury more reliable. The parliament election was set to be every two years, and every 25years there was meant to be a gathering for the Constitution improvements.
Catholicism was still the ruling religion, however the tolerance for other faiths expanded.
This Constitution was seen to be incredibly important and meaningful as the ‘free election’ was banished and after the death of the last King (Stanislaw August) the crown would be inherited by his child and in case if the royal dynasty died out, the aristocracy could choose the next candidate who would start a new dynasty. It was a significant achievement for the Polish nation as it aimed to keep the country’s independence and secure the political and economical development for the future.
Winchester University Journalism Course People and Politics
