Constitution of The People's Republic of Poland - Sejm

Sejm

The Sejm of the People's Republic of Poland started with 425 members, and at first the number was declared to represent 1 deputy per 60,000 citizens. However, as the population grew in 1960, that connection was dropped from the constitution stabilizing the Sejm at 460 deputies. An article in the constitution stated that deputies were responsible to the people and could be recalled by the people, although this article was never used. Instead of the Five-point electoral law, a four-point version was used (not proportional).

Legislation was passed with majority voting. The Sejm would vote on the budget and national plans. The Sejm deliberated in sessions, and the sessions were called by the State Council.

The Sejm would also choose a 'Prezydium' body from its members, with the marshal of the Sejm always being a member of the United People's Party. During its first session the Sejm would also nominate the Prime Minister together with other ministers (Council of Ministers) and members of the State Council. The Sejm would also choose many other government officials, including the head of the Supreme Chamber of Control (Najwyższa Izba Kotroli, NIK), members of the State Tribunal (Trybunał Stanu) and Constitutional Tribunal (Trybunał Konstytucjny) as well as the Ombudsman (Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich) (the latter three institutions were created in the 1980s).

Note that the Senate of Poland was abolished by the Polish people's referendum, 1946 and the Sejm became the sole legislative body in Poland.