Development of the bureaucratic system in the Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth: the case of the treasury commission’s activities (1764-1794)

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Lietuvos Didžioji Kunigaikštystė (LDK; Grand Duchy of Lithuania; GDL); Abiejų Tautų Respublika (ATR; Rzeczpospolita Obojga Narodów; Žečpospolita; Sandrauga; Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth); Lenkija (Lenkijos karalystė. Kingdom of Poland. Poland); Gardinas; Istorija (XVIII a.); Iždas; Iždo komisija; Komisijos; Veikla; Seimai; Reformos; Administracinės reformos; Valdymas (administravimas); Valstybės tarnautojai; Valstybinės institucijos; Finansai; Biurokratija; Lithuania; Grodno; History (18th c.); Treasury; Treasury Commission; Commissions; Activities; Sejm; Reforms; Administrative reforms; Management (administration); Civil servants; State institutions; Finance; Bureaucracy.

ENBased on the research of the development of state institutions in the Commonwealth of the Two Nations in 1764-1794 and the archived material from the Treasury Commission of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, this article will seek to demonstrate the extent to which the administrative reforms conducted in the second half of the 18th century brought the organization of the central government closer to the classic model of modem bureaucracy. Following the principal elements of the modem bureaucratic system distinguished by Max Weber (impersonal government structure, governance specialization, clearly defined governance hierarchy, regulation of the employees' duties, remuneration for the carried-out work, introduction of the criteria of qualification in order to occupy the position), special attention will be given to the hierarchy of duties, subordination, and the principles of staffing. [From the publication]