part 2: political changes and extent of change to the Tzarist system

what were the Fundamental Laws really and why wouldn’t Nicholas call them that?

• a constitution

• he associated it with the demands of his political enemies

what was the government’s aim when drafting the Fundamental Laws, and why did they feel able to do this?

• to get back as much political ground as they could

• Government ministers had the Tzar’s full encouragement to restrict the powers of the Duma

Article 4 insisted what?

‘the all-Russian Emperor posses the supreme autocratic power. Not only fear and conscience, but God himself, command obedience to his authority’

what ares of the government were the Tzar’s province?

• defence

• foreign affairs

Article 87 said what?

Tzar could proclaim new laws without Duma’s approval when it was not in session

why was the Duma’s ratification power very weak?

could be delayed for months or years

what could the Tzar do (like Charles I)?

• dissolve the Duma

what body did the Laws set up, as a counterbalance to the Duma? who appointed its members? what powers did it have?

• The Imperial State Council

• the Tzar, nobility, orthodox church, zemstva

• block or veto anything the Duma did

what was the deal with the appointment of ministers?

Tzar had the right to appoint and dismiss them without Duma approval

what important freedoms were included in the laws?

• associated (legal parties)

• assembly (legalise peaceful demonstrations)

• speech

how/when could the government still restrict rights?

• nothing to prevent laws being introduced that restricted it

• in emergencies all rights could be suspended