Monarchia konsensusu politycznego - praworządne i samowładne rządy Kazimierza Jagiellończyka

ENThe reign of Casimir Jagiellon was characterized by two alternating and fundamentally distinct ways of governing. The first one derived largely from a long tradition of patrimonial monarchy. It was based on a deeply held conviction about the unfettered power of the king. It promoted arbitrary decision-making and it invoked the principles of the old monarchical ideology. It as well referred to the tradition of the autocratic rule, evaluated from the eschatological perspective. In turn, the second strategy resulted from the practices of the political life. Constant pressure exerted on the ruler induced him to consult and reach agreement with the royal elite. The pursuit of consensus became a binding rule of action, while the most important resolutions were adopted during meetings with broad political representation of the state, who conferred at the meetings of the royal council, during the Sejm sessions and local councils. In 1438-1447 a profound change took place in the awareness and modi operandi of the royal elite. The general Sejm (Lat. comitia generalia) became an open arena of the political debate in the state. The political consensus between the king and the political representation was to be in force in all matters of the Kingdom, which permanently angered the king. Casimir Jagiellon wanted to exercise power as dominus naturalis, but had to adjust to the requirements operating in the monarchy of political consensus.