Sejm facts for kids

The Sejm (pronounced "SAYM") is like the main meeting place where important decisions are made for Poland. It's the lower house of Poland's parliament, which is a group of people who make laws for the country. Think of it as a big team of 460 people called "deputies." These deputies are chosen by everyone in Poland who can vote. The person in charge of the Sejm is called the "Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland."

Since 1918, the word "Sejm" has been used only for the lower house of the Polish parliament. The upper house is called the Senate of the Republic of Poland.

What is the Sejm?

The Sejm is a very important part of how Poland is run. It's where new laws are discussed and voted on. The deputies represent the people of Poland and work to make sure their voices are heard.

How Deputies are Chosen

The 460 deputies in the Sejm are chosen through a process called a "universal ballot." This means that all adult citizens in Poland have the right to vote for the people they want to represent them in the Sejm. It's a way for everyone to have a say in who makes the country's laws.

The Marshal of the Sejm

The Marshal of the Sejm is like the leader of the Sejm. This person's job is to make sure meetings run smoothly, that everyone follows the rules, and that discussions are fair. They are in charge of the whole Sejm building and its staff.

History of the Sejm

The idea of the Sejm has been around for a very long time in Poland. It has changed over the centuries, but its main purpose has always been to be a place where important decisions are made for the country.

Sejm and Senate

After Poland became independent again in 1918, the parliament was split into two parts: the Sejm (the lower house) and the Senate (the upper house). Both parts work together to create and approve laws, but they have different roles and responsibilities.

Images for kids

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  The first Sejm meeting in Łęczyca, around the year 1180.

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  Tadeusz Rejtan tries to stop the first partition of Poland in 1773. Painting by Jan Matejko.

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  Stanisław Dubois speaking to visitors in the Sejm in 1931.

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  Józef Beck, Poland's Minister of Foreign Affairs, giving a speech in the Sejm on May 5, 1939.

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  The Sejm building in Warsaw, Poland's capital city.

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  The main hall inside the Sejm building.

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  The room where the Sejm deputies hold their meetings.

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  A view of the meeting room from the speaker's platform.

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  The Sejm cross inside the building.

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  The Column Hall in the Sejm building.

See also

In Spanish: Sejm para niños