Udział Potockich w obradach sejmowych w czasach Jana III Sobieskiego
Participation of the Potockis in Sejm proceedings during the reign of John III Sobieski

Summary/Abstract: Since the beginning of the 17th century the gens Potocki enjoyed their growing significance in the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth. It translated into ever more frequent taking and holding by them state offices and functions, including the ones of MPs. What could now be estimated is that during the reign of John III Sobieski as many as ten Potockis held a seat in Sejm. The most experienced among them was Stefan Potocki, who served four terms. The remainder of the mentioned representatives include persons who served a few terms. Overall, the Potockis held the office of MP 27 times. However, their activity as MPs was not too impressive, which is corroborated by few and far between mentions about them in parliamentary minutes. More active seem to have been the senators originating from the gens Potocki, namely brothers Jędrzej and Feliks, yet the said activity might have stemmed from the King’s expectations. They partook in pre Sejm dietines and relatively frequently were present during Sejm sessions. Their senate advisory speeches (Polish wota senatorskie) did not consist of hot air rhetoric, but included helpful comments on state of the commonwealth. It may seem, however, that both for MPs and for senators coming from the family Potocki the military service was paramount, and the political activity merely complemented it.

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