Sejmiki zwoływane sposobem wojewódzkim jako szczególna forma samorządu stanowego w Wielkim Księstwie Litewskim

Abstract

A particularly difficult time for the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was the period of interregnum following the death of Zygmunt August. It led to the introduction of special forms of gatherings by the nobility. Summoning regional councils within provinces allowed for speeding up the decision-making process, which at the time was necessary. It was also a convenient way for the dominant elites of that period (the magnates) to control the nobility. It was an original contribution of Lithuania to the form of the regional council of nobility, which was adopted from the Kingdom of Poland. The Regional Council of Vilnius, held in the said form, was sometimes taking decisions applicable for the whole country.