Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth

+## History

+The Commonwealth's origins lie in the [Union of Lublin](/wiki/union_of_lublin) in 1569, formally merging [Poland](/wiki/poland) and [Lithuania](/wiki/lithuania). This created Europe's largest state, renowned for its [religious tolerance](/wiki/tolerance) and unique political system. Its "Golden Age" in the late 16th and early 17th centuries saw cultural flourishing and military strength, including victories against the [Ottoman Empire](/wiki/ottoman_empire), [Russia](/wiki/russia), and [Sweden](/wiki/sweden). However, from the mid-17th century, the Commonwealth faced severe challenges, including the devastating wars known as [The Deluge](/wiki/deluge) and internal political paralysis caused by the [liberum veto](/wiki/liberum_veto). This weakening ultimately led to the three [Partitions](/wiki/partitions) by [Prussia](/wiki/prussia), [Russia](/wiki/russia), and [Austria](/wiki/austria) between 1772 and 1795, ending its existence.

+## Government

+The Commonwealth operated as an [elective monarchy](/wiki/monarchy), where the monarch was chosen by the nobility through [elections](/wiki/election). This system gave significant power to the [nobility](/wiki/nobility), or *szlachta*, who enjoyed extensive privileges under what was called [Golden Liberty](/wiki/golden_liberty). Legislative power resided primarily with the [Sejm](/wiki/sejm), a parliament composed of elected noble representatives. The Sejm's unique feature was the [liberum veto](/wiki/liberum_veto), which allowed any noble deputy to unilaterally block legislation, often leading to governmental paralysis and instability. Local administration was largely decentralized, with regional assemblies (*sejmiks*) holding considerable authority.

+- [Golden Liberty](/wiki/golden_liberty)

+The [Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth](/wiki/polish_lithuanian_commonwealth) was a vast, multi-ethnic state that spanned much of Central and Eastern Europe from the 16th to 18th centuries. A unique [political union](/wiki/political_union) and elective monarchy, it was known for its vibrant noble democracy and religious tolerance before its eventual partitions.

+## See also

+- [Poland](/wiki/poland)

+- [Lithuania](/wiki/lithuania)

+- [Monarchy](/wiki/monarchy)