Udział „sejmików” wojskowych przy tworzeniu i ogłaszaniu artykułów wojskowych w XVI i XVII stuleciu

Abstract

The article explores soldiers’ participation in process of creating and accepting ordinances and articles of war. It was possible because of existance in army Sejmików – distinct for rittmeisters (Rittmeisters Council) and for the companions from one unit (Banner Council). In the beginning only rittmeisters had an influence over forming the articles of war. From the XVII century also companions could present their will. The acceptance of the officers was necessary to put legal rules into practice. From the nineties of the XVI century we can observe, that commander in chief (Hetman), Jan Zamoyski resigns from knights’ participation and tries, with the help of his own authority and Sejm’ enablement, to create legal rules by his own, without soldiers’ participation. Councils had a much greater authorisation in confederated units, that played a major role in legislation process.