The Sejm performs an important role in the complicated process of establishing the government. This process is conducted according to the principles of the modified version of the parliamentary-cabinet system which was adopted by the Constitution. During the first sitting of the newly-elected Sejm, the Prime Minister of the old government submits its resignation. The President of the Republic of Poland accepts such a resignation and designates a new President of the Council of Ministers, who, in turn, proposes a new composition of the Council of Ministers. Subsequently, within 14 days of the first sitting of the Sejm or the acceptance of the resignation of the previous Council of Ministers, the President appoints the new government in the composition proposed by the newly designated Prime Minister. This newly appointed government should enjoy the confidence of the Sejm. According to the Constitution the President of the Council of Ministers, within 14 days following the day of his appointment by the President of the Republic, submits to the Sejm a programme of activity of the Council of Ministers accompanied by a motion requiring a vote of confidence. The Sejm passes such a vote of confidence by an absolute majority vote in the presence of at least half of the statutory number of Deputies.
In certain events the President does not appoint the new Council of Ministers within the prescribed 14 days from the first sitting of the Sejm or from the acceptance of the resignation of the previous Council of Ministers, or the newly appointed government may not be granted a vote of confidence in the Sejm. In such situations the Sejm elects a Prime Minister and members of the Council of Ministers proposed by the latter by an absolute majority vote in the presence of at least half of the statutory number of Deputies. The President appoints the government chosen according to the aforementioned procedure.
The Constitution also provides for a third stage of government formation in a situation when the Sejm is not able to form a government which would enjoy an absolute majority of votes within the prescribed 14 days. In those cases the President appoints a Prime Minister and then, on his application, other members of the government. Such a cabinet must obtain the endorsement of the Sejm, expressed by a majority vote in the presence of at least half of the statutory number of Deputies. If the Chamber is unable to form such a majority, the President is obliged to shorten the term of office of the Sejm and to order new elections.