Confederation (Poland–Lithuania)

[1] They could be seen as a primary expression of direct democracy and the right of revolution in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, allowing nobles to act on their grievances and against the central authority.

In the late 13th century, confederations of municipalities began to appear, aiming to support public safety and provide security from rampant banditry.

[2] They were convened to defend the nobles' liberties against central authority, the influence of the clergy, and the development of Hussitism.

In the years 1382 and 1384, inter-estate confederations (nobility and burghers) were convened in Radomsko to protect state security during the interregnum.

During interregnums, confederations—essentially vigilance committees—were formed to replace the inactive royal court, protect internal order, and defend the state from external threats.

[1] A confederation would also have a larger council, similar to a parliament (walna rada), which made decisions by majority vote.

[5] Confederations were proscribed by law in 1717, but continued to operate, indicating a weakness of the Commonwealth's central authority.

The May 3rd Constitution was overthrown in mid-1792, by the Targowica Confederation of Polish magnates backed by Russian Empire and eventually joined, under extreme duress, by King Stanisław II August.