THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND

As adopted by the National Assembly
on 2nd April 1997

PREAMBLE

Having regard for the existence and future of our Homeland,
Which recovered, in 1989, the possibility of a sovereign and democratic determination of its fate,
We, the Polish Nation - all citizens of the Republic,
Both those who believe in God as the source of truth, justice, good and beauty,
As well as those not sharing such faith but respecting those universal values as arising from other sources,
Equal in rights and obligations towards the common good - Poland,
Beholden to our ancestors for their labours, their struggle for independence achieved at great sacrifice, for our culture rooted in the Christian heritage of the Nation and in universal human values,
Recalling the best traditions of the First and the Second Republic,
Obliged to bequeath to future generations all that is valuable from our over one thousand years' heritage,
Bound in community with our compatriots dispersed throughout the world,
Aware of the need for cooperation with all countries for the good of the Human Family,
Mindful of the bitter experiences of the times when fundamental freedoms and human rights were violated in our Homeland,
Desiring to guarantee the rights of the citizens for all time, and to ensure diligence and efficiency in the work of public bodies, Recognizing our responsibility before God or our own consciences,
Hereby establish this Constitution of the Republic of Poland as the basic law for the State, based on respect for freedom and justice, cooperation between the public powers, social dialogue as well as on the principle of aiding in the strengthening the powers of citizens and their communities.
We call upon all those who will apply this Constitution for the good of the Third Republic to do so paying respect to the inherent dignity of the person, his or her right to freedom, the obligation of solidarity with others, and respect for these principles as the unshakeable foundation of the Republic of Poland.

• Chapter I - The Republic
• Chapter II - The Freedoms, Rights and Obligations of Persons and Citizens
• Chapter III - Sources of Law
• Chapter IV - The Sejm and the Senate
• Chapter V - The President of the Republic of Poland
• Chapter VI - The Council of Ministers and Government Administration
• Chapter VII - Local Self- Government
• Chapter VIII - Courts and Tribunals
• Chapter IX - Organs of State Control and for Defence Of Rights
• Chapter X -Public Finances
• Chapter XI - Extraordinary Measures
• Chapter XII - Amending the Constitution
• Chapter XIII - Final and Transitional Provisions

Translation from Polish:
Albert Pol Bureau of Research, and Andrew Caldwell M.A., of the Middle Temple, Barrister.

Consultant:
Paul S. Rundquist, Fulbright Professor of Politics,
Specialist in American Government at Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

The reproduction with the consent of the Chancellery of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland