The document known formally as the April Constitution of Poland, or in Polish, Ustawa konstytucyjna 23 IV 1935 and more commonly Konstytucja kwietniowa, represents a pivotal moment in the legislative history of the Second Polish Republic. This foundational legal act was meticulously passed by the Polish Sejm, the country's parliament, on April 23, 1935. It fundamentally restructured the nation's political framework, introducing a robust presidential system that also incorporated distinct elements of authoritarianism, deeply influencing the subsequent years of independent Poland before the outbreak of World War II.

Historical Background and the Vision Behind It

To fully grasp the significance of the April Constitution, it's essential to understand the political landscape of Poland in the interwar period. Following the tumultuous years of regaining independence in 1918, Poland's initial constitution, the March Constitution of 1921, established a parliamentary republic with a relatively weak executive branch. This system, however, often led to governmental instability, with frequent cabinet changes and intense political fragmentation. Marshal Józef Piłsudski, a towering figure in Polish history and the nation's de facto leader after the May Coup of 1926, grew increasingly frustrated with what he perceived as the inefficiencies and paralysis of parliamentary democracy. He envisioned a stronger, more centralized state, believing that a powerful executive was crucial for national unity, security, and effective governance, especially in the face of growing external threats. The April Constitution was the legislative embodiment of this vision, designed to consolidate power and streamline the decision-making process.

Key Features and the Shift Towards a Strong Presidency

The April Constitution of 1935 marked a profound departure from its predecessor by significantly empowering the President of the Republic. This new constitutional order moved away from the parliamentary supremacy of the 1921 constitution and vested extensive authority in the head of state. Here's a closer look at its defining characteristics:

• Empowered Presidency: The President became the supreme authority in the state, answerable only to "God and history," a stark contrast to the previous system where the President's role was largely ceremonial. This shift meant the President now had the power to appoint and dismiss the Prime Minister and cabinet, dissolve the Sejm, and even issue decrees with the force of law.
• Reduced Parliamentary Role: While the Sejm and Senate continued to exist, their legislative and oversight powers were considerably diminished. The President could bypass parliamentary approval for certain key decisions, and the legislature's ability to hold the executive accountable was curtailed.
• Unilateral Powers: The President gained the authority to issue ordinances and decrees that could modify existing laws or even create new ones, without immediate parliamentary consent. This power was a hallmark of the authoritarian elements, allowing swift and decisive action, but also potentially bypassing democratic debate.
• Succession Mechanism: A unique feature was the provision for the President to designate his successor in times of war, further consolidating executive control and ensuring continuity of leadership under extreme circumstances.
• State over Individual: The constitution emphasized the concept of the state as a higher entity, transcending individual or party interests. While it still guaranteed certain civil liberties, these could be restricted if deemed necessary for the welfare or security of the state, reflecting a more nationalistic and authoritarian philosophy.

Legacy and Operational Period

The April Constitution, though a testament to Piłsudski's influence, was short-lived in its intended function. Piłsudski himself passed away just a few weeks after its enactment in May 1935. It remained the fundamental law of the Second Polish Republic until the German invasion in September 1939, which plunged Poland into World War II. During the war, the Polish Government-in-Exile, operating from London, continued to regard the April Constitution as its legal basis, symbolizing the continuity of the Polish state despite occupation. However, after the war, with the establishment of the Soviet-backed People's Republic of Poland, the April Constitution was effectively superseded by new communist-era constitutions, and its provisions were not revived in independent Poland after 1989. Nevertheless, it remains a crucial document for understanding the complex political evolution of interwar Poland.

Frequently Asked Questions About the April Constitution

When was the April Constitution passed?

It was officially passed by the Polish Sejm on April 23, 1935.

What was its primary goal?

Its primary goal was to strengthen the executive branch, particularly the President, to ensure governmental stability and more decisive leadership, moving away from the perceived inefficiencies of parliamentary democracy.

Who was Józef Piłsudski, and what was his role?

Józef Piłsudski was a Marshal of Poland and the de facto leader after the 1926 May Coup. He was the main ideological force and proponent behind the constitution, advocating for a strong, centralized state and a powerful presidency.

How did it differ from previous Polish constitutions?

It significantly differed from the 1921 March Constitution by shifting power from the parliament (Sejm) to the President, granting the latter extensive executive, legislative, and even judicial powers, thus introducing authoritarian elements into the state structure.

When was it in effect?

It was in effect from its passing in April 1935 until the German invasion of Poland in September 1939. The Polish Government-in-Exile continued to uphold it throughout World War II.