Published: 2020-05-14

Activity of Lithuanian Senators during Sejms in the first period of John III Sobieski’s reign (1676-1683) and their attitude to the most important problems of the state in the light of the senatorial speeches

Konrad Bobiatyński
Saeculum Christianum. Historical Writings
Section: Rozprawy i Artykuły
https://doi.org/10.21697/sc.2020.27.w.sp.10

Abstract

The article presents the activity of Lithuanian Senators during the first five General Sejms in the time of John III Sobieski (1676-1683). As it turned out, they came to the Sejms and spoke at the sessions much more frequently than their Crown colleagues. Overall, the attendance of this group was about 42% and of the speeches - 24%. This contradicts the thesis of a gradual decline in the participation of members of the upper house in parliamentary sessions during the 17th century.

An analysis of the senatorial speeches shows that in Sobieski's times we are dealing with a decrease in the level of oratorical art. Speeches were an opportunity not only to express an opinion on the state's problems but were also used in internal combat, to strike at opponents. Additionally, the contents of the speeches lacked ideas for reforms of the state.  They focused on issues relevant to the so-called “Lithuanian raison d'etat.”  

 

Keywords:

General Sejm, Lithuanian Senators, aristocratic factions, attendance, senatorial speeches

Download files

Citation rules

Bobiatyński, K. (2020). Activity of Lithuanian Senators during Sejms in the first period of John III Sobieski’s reign (1676-1683) and their attitude to the most important problems of the state in the light of the senatorial speeches. Saeculum Christianum. Historical Writings, 27, 131–146. https://doi.org/10.21697/sc.2020.27.w.sp.10

Cited by / Share


This website uses cookies for proper operation, in order to use the portal fully you must accept cookies.