The Evolution of the Institution of Interpellation  in Polish Parliamentarism

In the modern democratic state interpellation – as the one of measures of oversight powers of parliament – is directly related to the legal and systemic guarantees of protection of the principles ruled by law. It has a well established parliamentary tradition in the European continental states. Its origins date back to the French Republic III and it is necessary to distinguish it from the British questions. In spite of, the original function of interpellation has been changed. This article presents the evolution of this institution in Sejm. The subject of this analysis includes a description of the legal regulation of interpellation in next historic periods in Poland: from the interwar two decades – by the period of communist system – for the constitution of the Third Republic of Poland, 2 April 1997, and answers to the following questions: • How the role of interpellation is determined by the introduced state structure? • Whether the political situation in state effects on the purpose and the efficiency of interpellation? • How feautures of the modern democratic state like strong executive authority, well organized political parties and an the activity of interest group effect on oversight powers of Sejm executing with assistance of interpellation? • What is today’s role of interpellation and what is its future in the Polish parliamentarism? The role and purpose of the institution of interpellation as the one of measures of oversight of Sejm should be considered in close relation with elements of political construction of parliamentary government, particularly with the principle of political accountability of the Council of Ministers and its members to the Sejm. Its scope covers all areas of activity of the government and government administration. The activity of members of Sejm in this range should be treated as particularly important platform of exerting influence by parliament on the government. Now the amount of interpellation in Sejm is very big but its political quality and efficiency weak, what brings interpellation nearer to questions. It is necessary to change the way of using this institution of oversight by members of Sejm, what requires the greater political consciousness and the reinforcement the position of the Polish parliament.

The Main Factors Determining the Process of Shaping the Basis of the Polish Parliamentary System in the First Stage of the Political Transformation (1989–1991)

The article is devoted to the functioning of the Polish parliamentary system during the period of the political transformation in the years 1989–1991. A study of the phenomena that occurred in those times is particularly important in connection with the fact that it was then when the systemic position of the Polish parliament was taking shape. The years 1989–1991 were especially important as they included political decisions made by the Round Table, their systemic realization in the Constitutional Amendment of April 7, 1989 and the following elections statutes for the Seym and the Senate, as well as in the constitutional output of the Seym of the 10th term and the Senate of the 1st term and in the practice of both chambers of the parliament. Those transformations were obviously based on two rudimentary fundaments: a new shape of the parliament, especially in terms of its creation and structure, and in reactivation the office of the president. Both spheres were interconnected both on the systemic plain and – which determined the specific character of this system – also on the political plain.

The article discusses the issues of evolution of the political position of heads of government in Hungary. The time frame is between 1990 and 2020. A wide historical spectrum is included as well, showing the transformations of the supreme bodies of state power. After 1989, Hungary opted to establish a parliamentary cabinet system, with some strengthening of the government’s powers. The institution of the Prime Minister has become a real instrument of political power for the leaders of political factions in the countries discussed. The analysis takes into account both constitutional regulations and political practice over the past nearly 30 years. A particular strengthening of the political position of the Prime Minister can be seen after 2010.

Commonwealth Senators in the Context of National Democracy in the years 1928–1930

The following article provides an outline of a lesser known historical phenomenon related to the actions of Polish parliamentary politicians of the National Democracy (ND) formation in the years 1928-1930. In stark contrast to the elections of 1922, the elections of 1928 resulted in the defeat of the Nationalist camp, which ended up having only nine ND politicians. First, the article sketches a sociological map of ND senators. Secondly, it delves into the activities of senators in particular Senate boards, therefore explaining the real impact these people had on the workings of the higher chamber. Finally, an analysis of various statements is conducted with the aim of summarising the political views of these senators as well as the main issues they focused on, including state administration, justice, local governance, education and foreign policy.

Everything has already been done, i.e. the heritage of the Polish parliamentarism of the 20th century

The Article is an attempt to evaluate the experiences of Polish parliamentarism in the twentieth century. The author analyzes Polish constitutional regulations and parliamentary practice, with a particular focus on the solutions adopted in the years 1919–1935, as well the impact of these regulations on the evolution of Polish parliamentarism after the Second World War, also taking into account the current political experiences. The analysis leads the author to the conclusion, that the contemporary defects of the system of parliamentary government are to a large extent the result of the historical experiences of Polish parliamentarism.

Levellers and Universal Manhood Suffrage During the Putney Dabates (1647)

This is a review article. Its purpose is to present the findings of researchers on the English Levellers’ attitude to universal manhood suffrage, especially during the Putney Debates (1647). This issue is not clear and the dispute of researchers has been going on since the 1960s. The aim of the article is to present the findings on this issue contained in the important English studies on Levellers. The article presents the results of research that allows to answer the questions: whether the Levellers really supported the universal manhood suffrage, or were they therefore unconditional democrats? and why despite the success achieved during the Putney Debates the electoral reform proposed by them did not gain broad support.

Legislation on Family Fideicommissa in the Second Polish Republic

The article describes the creation and content of legal regulations in the Second Polish Republic regarding a special institution, which were family fideicommissa (entails), called in Poland ordynacje rodowe – indivisible estates in the hands of aristocratic families, excluded from the general principles of inheritance, with restrictions in the field of, i.a., disposition and charging. The author proves that the legislation in this respect was influenced by the then agrarian policy and attempts to regulate the land reform. Family laws were perceived in particular as a relic of feudalism contrary to the constitutional order and a policy aimed at basing the agricultural structure on middle and small property and thus raising the social and economic status of the poor masses of Polish peasants. The author describes political postulates in this regard, successive legal acts created by the legislature and the accompanying parliamentary discussions.

Royal instructions for the pre-sejm assemblies from the reign of Michał I and Jan III

The article is about the source analysis of royal services for pre-sejm assemblies with the help of multidimensional analyzes, statistical and comparative research. Therefore, it shows the documents from the reign of Michał I and Jan III in depth.