Senate of Poland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Senate of the Republic of PolandSenat Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej |
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|---|---|
| 10th term | |
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| Type | |
| Type | |
| History | |
| Founded | 1493 (as Senate of the Kingdom of Poland) 1989 (as the upper house of the 3rd and current Republic) |
| Leadership | |
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Tomasz Grodzki, KO
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Deputy Marshal of the Senate
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Stanisław Karczewski, PiS
Bogdan Borusewicz, KO Michał Kamiński, KP Gabriela Morawska-Stanecka, Lewica |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 100 senators |
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Political groups
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Government (48)
Opposition (52)
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| Elections | |
| First-past-the-post | |
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Last election
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13 October 2019 |
| Meeting place | |
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| The Sejm Building Śródmieście, Warsaw |
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| Website | |
| senat.gov.pl | |
The Senate (Polish: Senat) is like the "upper house" of Poland's parliament. Think of it as one of two main groups that make laws for the country. The other group is called the Sejm, which is the "lower house." Both are located in Warsaw, the capital city.
The Senate has 100 members, called senators. People vote for these senators in elections, meaning everyone who is old enough gets to choose who represents them. The person in charge of the Senate is called the Marshal of the Senate. The current Marshal is Tomasz Grodzki.
Contents
What Does the Senate Do?
The Senate's main job is to check laws passed by the Sejm. When the Sejm approves a new law, it goes to the Senate. The senators then look at it carefully.
They can approve the law as it is, suggest changes, or even reject it. If the Senate suggests changes or rejects a law, the Sejm can still make the law happen. They need a special vote to overrule the Senate's decision.
A Look at Senate History
The Senate has a very long history in Poland. It first started way back in 1493. For a long time, it was an important part of the Polish government.
However, after Poland lost its independence in the late 1700s, the Senate stopped existing for many years. It was brought back in 1922 when Poland became independent again.
After World War II, the Senate was removed again in 1946. It was finally brought back in 1989. This happened when Poland became a democratic country once more. Since then, the Senate has been a key part of Poland's government.
Who Are the Senators?
There are 100 senators in total. They are elected by people across Poland. Each senator represents a specific area of the country.
Senators usually belong to different political parties. These parties have different ideas about how the country should be run. Some senators might also be "independent," meaning they don't belong to any specific party.
The senators work together in groups based on their political parties. These groups are called political clubs or circles. They discuss new laws and important issues facing Poland.
Where Does the Senate Meet?
The Senate meets in a special building in Warsaw. It's part of the Sejm complex. This is where all the important discussions and votes happen.
The building has special rooms for meetings and debates. It also has offices for the senators and their staff. It's a place where decisions are made that affect everyone in Poland.
Images for kids
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A leaf from the Łaski Statute depicting the Polish Senate in 1503
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The 1661 session of the Senate in Jasna Góra
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In 1791, the "Great Sejm" or "Four-Year Sejm" of 1788–1792 and Senate adopt the May 3rd Constitution at the Royal Castle in Warsaw
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Unrealised (1765) plans for a new senate chamber at the Royal Castle in Warsaw
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The first session of the reestablished Senate in 1922 after its 127-year hiatus
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A debate taking place in the Senate, December 9, 1930
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The Senate Agricultural Committee, 1925
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The Senate Building at the Sejm complex in Warsaw
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The iconic spiral staircase in the Senate building's main hall
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See also
In Spanish: Senado de Polonia para niños
