# Constitution of Poland (1997)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1997-constitution-of-poland
Location: Warsaw
Categories: main-event

The National Assembly adopted the current Constitution of the Republic of Poland, which was approved in a referendum. Within the broader Third Republic period: Democratic Poland transformed its economy, joined NATO and the European Union and became one of Europe's leading states, while confronting new security challenges on its eastern border. At this point in the timeline (2 April 1997), the governing authority was Aleksander Kwaśniewski (President of Poland). Two-term president who oversaw the 1997 Constitution and accession to NATO and the EU. Constitution of Poland mattered because it laid down fundamental rules for the state and became a lasting reference point in Polish political tradition. The event is placed here so readers can follow it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion and culture across Polish history.

## Why it matters
Constitution of Poland mattered because it laid down fundamental rules for the state and became a lasting reference point in Polish political tradition.

Ruler at the time: [Aleksander Kwaśniewski](https://poland-history.com/rulers/aleksander-kwasniewski)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Constitution of Poland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Poland)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Constitution of Poland](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Constitution+of+Poland)
- [Wikipedia — History of Poland (1989–present) (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Poland_(1989%E2%80%93present))