The Structure and Composition of the Legislature in Non-Parliamentary Draft Constitutions of the Republic of Poland Announced in the Years 1997–2017

Abstract

The coming in force of the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland of 2 April 1997 undoubtedly affected the silencing of the discourse maintained since 19901 [Dokumenty programowe…] on the need for the reform of the parliament, including, first of all, its structure (one or two chambers?) and limiting the number of parliamentarians as a guarantee factor – according to the authors of these demands – for improvement of its operation or savings in public finances. However, disputes over the above-mentioned issues, calculated first of all for short-term political effects, were still going on, albeit with varying intensity and distribution of accents. The result of the discourse were various concepts included in party programs, election programs and constitutional projects. Eleven draft constitutions published in the years 1997–2017, but never brought to parliament, were presented by political parties and politicians several months before parliamentary and presidential elections in 2005 and 2015 and before presidential elections in 2010 and also one year before parliamentary elections in 2011. Three draft constitutions were presented on the May 3rd Constitution Day.