Small Constitution of 1919


The Small Constitution of 1919 was the first constitution of the Second Polish Republic. It was formally called the "Legislative Sejm's ordinance of 20 February 1919, entrusting Józef Piłsudski with the further execution of the office of Chief of State". The legislation was published as Dz. Pr. P.P. Nr 19, poz. 226.

Provisions

The Small Constitution declared that Poland has a parliamentary system, although it didn't define Poland as a republic.
Executive powers were held by the Chief of State. He could name the ministers ; he and the ministers were responsible before the Sejm. The Chief of State no longer had legislative initiative and could not dismiss the Sejm; all his acts required the signature of the relevant minister.
The Small Constitution was adopted and published on 20 February 1919 and went into effect a week later, on 27 February 1919. It was amended on 25 February 1920 and was supplanted on 1 June 1921 by the March 1921 Constitution.

Footnotes