Szlachta democracy

The Szlachta democracy was a unique political system in 16th-18th century Poland where landowning nobles (szlachta) held significant power. They had the right to elect kings through a popular vote and participate directly in government decisions. The system emphasized individual freedoms and the principle of equality among nobles, often requiring broad consensus for reforms. While it promoted noble independence, this structure also led to political paralysis and vulnerabilities, ultimately contributing to the nation’s decline. Essentially, it was a form of early democratic participation limited to a privileged class, emphasizing collective noble sovereignty.