Obywatele u władzy: narodziny, rozkwit i zmierzch szlacheckiej republiki
Citizens’ Rule: the Emergence, Growth and Decline of the “Republic of noblemen” (14/15th–17th c.)

Summary/Abstract: The article examines the expansion of political rights and the changing forms of nobility’s political participation in the context of constitutional transformation of the state since the late 14th c. to the end of the 17th c. First, there was a noted increase in political aspirations among nobility which resulted in a growing number of noblemen participating in local public/political life. This, in turn, resulted in a gradual broadening of political agenda. As a consequence, these stimulated the emergence and development of parliamentary institutions, and varying communication methods between the Crown and the localities. In addition, these processes triggered the emergence and development of a distinct civic/political culture among the nobility; one which was strongly rooted in republican ethos, respect of the law and the ideals of civic consensus.

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