The May-3rd-Constitution, officially known as the Constitution of May 3, 1791, was a pivotal document in the history of Poland and Lithuania. Adopted by the Sejm of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth on May 3, 1791, it was Europe's first modern written national constitution and the world's second after the United States Constitution. Here are some key aspects:
- Context: At the time of its adoption, the Commonwealth was facing internal strife and external threats from its neighbors, particularly Russia, Prussia, and Austria. The need for reform was pressing to prevent the complete dissolution of the state.
- Content: The constitution sought to:
- Establish a constitutional monarchy with a clear separation of powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
- Abolish the Liberum Veto, which had previously allowed any member of the Sejm to dissolve proceedings, leading to political paralysis.
- Implement a more democratic system by giving more power to the burghers, reducing the nobility's control, and extending political rights to the urban class.
- Introduce the Pacta Conventa, which were agreements between the king and the nobility, limiting the royal power.
- Ensure religious tolerance and reform the judiciary.
- Impact:
- The constitution was seen as a beacon of enlightenment values in Central Europe, promoting political and social reforms.
- It aimed to strengthen the state against external threats but was met with opposition from conservative nobles and neighboring powers, leading to the Warsaw Confederation and subsequent military intervention by Russia.
- The constitution's short-lived existence ended with the Second Partition of Poland in 1793, where Russia and Prussia annexed significant parts of the Commonwealth.
- Legacy:
- Despite its short duration, the May-3rd-Constitution became a symbol of Polish sovereignty and constitutionalism.
- It influenced subsequent Polish constitutions and the idea of a modern state in the region.
- The day of its adoption, May 3rd, is celebrated in Poland as Constitution Day.
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