Magnaci - członkowie elity posiadający możność skutecznego wpływu na decyzje organów władzy Rzeczypospolitej

Abstract

The main thesis of the article is to confirm that a basic criterion distinguishing magnates from other nobles is a possibility of pursuing political activity "on their own" . The possibility of blocking political decisions in state institutions, especiaIly in the Sejm, was particularly important in this regard. Measures outside of the political system played a special role in this activity, i.e. political groups organized by magnates themselves - factions and the issue of clientelism related to it. Magnates influenced regional councils' decisions through factions and members of parliament appointed by regional councils.