On 3 May 2026, we will mark the 235th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of 3 May – one of the most significant and groundbreaking events in Polish history.

The Constitution of 3 May was adopted on 3 May 1791 by the Four-Year (Great) Sejm at the Royal Castle in Warsaw. It was the first in Europe and the second in the world – after the United States Constitution – to be a modern constitution that comprehensively regulated the state system and the rights and duties of citizens.

The Constitution of 3 May was not only an expression of responsibility for the fate of the state, but above all a bold and conscious step towards modernity. It became the real foundation of the political transformation of the Republic, based on law, freedom, justice and the idea of the common good. To this day, it remains a symbol of patriotism, sovereignty and the political maturity of the nation.

The Constitution is the basis for the functioning of the state. It defines the rights and duties of citizens, organises public life and protects the values that constitute the strength of the community. Its significance is beyond dispute – it is the enduring foundation of democracy and a guarantee of freedom.

For today’s citizens, the commemoration of 3 May is not merely a reference to history, but a living expression of our identity and civic consciousness. It serves as a reminder of our responsibility for the common good and of the values that form the foundation of the state – freedom, solidarity and respect for the law. Cultivating this memory strengthens the community and builds a society aware of its role and significance in shaping the future.

On this special day, the University of Rzeszów emphasises that the constitution constitutes a lasting foundation of statehood, and that respect for it is the shared responsibility of all citizens.