What was the primary purpose of the Russian Constitution of 1906?

The primary purpose of the Russian Constitution of 1906 was to transform the formerly absolutist Russian Empire into a state where the emperor shared his autocratic power with a parliament, enacted as a response to the Russian Revolution of 1905 to preserve the monarchy.

How did the Russian Constitution of 1906 alter the nature of the Russian government?

The 1906 Constitution significantly altered the Russian government by transitioning it from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one, introducing a bicameral parliament and requiring legislative approval for laws, thereby sharing the emperor's previously autocratic power.

When was the Russian Constitution of 1906 enacted?

The Russian Constitution of 1906 was enacted on May 6, 1906 (April 23 according to the Old Style calendar), just before the opening of the first State Duma.

Who was the primary signatory of the 1906 Russian Constitution?

The primary signatory of the 1906 Russian Constitution was Emperor Nicholas II of Russia.

What was the historical context surrounding the adoption of the 1906 Russian Constitution?

The constitution was adopted during the Russian Revolution of 1905, a period marked by widespread unrest, triggered by events like Bloody Sunday and the empire's defeat in the Russo-Japanese War, compelling the imperial government to enact reforms to prevent disintegration.

What was the original legal basis that the 1906 Constitution revised?

The 1906 Constitution was a major revision of the 1832 Fundamental Laws of the Russian Empire, originally penned by Mikhail Speransky.

What two legislative bodies comprised the new Russian parliament established by the 1906 Constitution?

The parliament established by the 1906 Constitution was bicameral, consisting of an upper house called the State Council and a lower house called the State Duma.

How were members of the State Council appointed or elected under the 1906 Constitution?

Under the 1906 Constitution, half of the members of the State Council were appointed by the Tsar, while the other half were elected by various governmental, clerical, and commercial interests.

How were members of the State Duma elected according to the 1906 Constitution?

Members of the State Duma were chosen through a complex scheme of indirect elections, with the system weighted to ensure the dominance of the propertied classes, representing different segments of the Russian population.

What legislative powers did the State Duma possess under the 1906 Constitution?

The State Duma held the power of legislation and the right to question the Tsar's ministers, meaning it could propose, debate, and vote on laws, and hold the executive branch accountable through questioning.

What limitations did the State Duma face regarding the Tsar and his ministers?

The Duma did not have control over the appointment or dismissal of ministers, which remained solely with the monarch. Furthermore, it could not alter the constitution except upon the emperor's initiative.

What was the Tsar's veto power concerning legislation under the 1906 Constitution?

The Tsar retained an absolute veto over all legislation passed by the parliament, meaning he could reject any law outright, regardless of the Duma's or State Council's approval.

Did the Tsar have the authority to dissolve the parliament?

Yes, the Tsar retained the right to dismiss the State Duma at any time, for any reason he deemed suitable, effectively allowing him to dissolve the legislative body if it acted contrary to his wishes.

Under what circumstances could the Tsar issue decrees when the Duma was not in session?

The Tsar had the right to issue decrees during the Duma's absence, but these decrees would lose their validity if they were not approved by the new parliament within two months of its convocation.

How did Nicholas II react to the restrictions imposed by the 1906 Constitution?

Nicholas II abhorred the restrictions placed upon his power by the new constitution, as he had sworn at his coronation to pass on his autocratic authority intact to his successor.

What actions did Nicholas II take regarding the Dumas that violated the 1906 Constitution?

Nicholas II dismissed the First and Second Dumas when they proved unsatisfactory and unilaterally altered the election statutes, a clear violation of the constitution, to ensure more landed individuals were elected to subsequent Dumas.

What was the role of the State Council prior to the 1906 Constitution?

Prior to 1906, the State Council, established by Alexander I, was a body of 35-60 members that investigated, promulgated, and abrogated laws, but it was an advisory institution without legislative prerogatives and its members were appointed and dismissed by the Tsar.

How did the Governing Senate function in the Russian government before 1906?

Before 1906, the Governing Senate, established by Peter I, oversaw the empire's administration under an Ober-Procurator. By the late 19th century, it evolved into the highest judicial organ, but it remained under the Tsar's direct control, with him appointing its members and being free to overrule its actions.

What was the significance of Bloody Sunday in the context of the 1905 Revolution and the subsequent constitution?

Bloody Sunday, where imperial troops fired on unarmed protesters, was a major catalyst for the 1905 Revolution. This event, combined with military defeats, incited widespread uprising and convinced advisors that constitutional change was necessary for the monarchy's survival, leading to the October Manifesto and the 1906 Constitution.

Who was Sergei Witte and what was his role in the adoption of the 1906 Constitution?

Sergei Witte, the Tsar's Minister of Finance, was appointed Chairman of the Council of Ministers and proposed the introduction of an elected legislature and a constitutional monarchy. He played a crucial role in convincing Nicholas II to issue the October Manifesto, which led to the 1906 Constitution.

What other constitutions were studied when drafting the 1906 Russian Constitution?

When drafting the 1906 Constitution, constitutions from Austria-Hungary, Japan, and Prussia were studied, alongside a draft constitution prepared by the Union of Liberation.

What did the Introduction (Articles 1-3) of the 1906 Constitution declare?

The Introduction declared Russia to be "one and indivisible," mandated the use of the Russian language in public institutions, and acknowledged the Grand Duchy of Finland as an "inseparable part of the Russian state" while recognizing its special status.

What did Chapter One (Articles 4-24) of the 1906 Constitution state about the Emperor's power?

Chapter One declared that the emperor possessed "supreme sovereign power," that obedience to his commands was mandated by God, and that he was personally inviolable, while also outlining his extensive prerogatives.

What specific legislative and executive powers were reserved for the Tsar under the 1906 Constitution?

The Tsar reserved the absolute veto over legislation, legislative initiative on all matters, the sole right to initiate constitutional revisions, charge over administrative and external affairs, the power to declare war and peace, supreme command of the armed forces, authority over the mint, and the right to grant pardons and quash judicial proceedings.

How did the 1906 Constitution address the succession to the throne?

The constitution regulated the succession, declaring Poland and Finland inseparable from Russia, allowing female succession but placing them after male descendants, and stipulating that children from marriages between Romanovs and non-royal persons were ineligible for the throne.

What were the provisions regarding regency and guardianship in the 1906 Constitution?

Chapter Three of the constitution, covering Articles 40-52, detailed provisions for regency and guardianship if the emperor was a minor. It established the age of majority at sixteen and outlined the appointment of a regent and a regency council.

What did the 1906 Constitution stipulate about the coronation and religious requirements for the sovereign?

The constitution mandated that the coronation and anointing take place according to the Orthodox rite, required the emperor to profess the Orthodox faith, and to recite the Nicene Creed using the Orthodox formula during the ceremony.

What rights and obligations were guaranteed to Russian citizens under Chapter Eight of the 1906 Constitution?

Citizens were guaranteed protection from arbitrary arrest, inviolability of their homes, protection from illegal searches, the right to travel (with restrictions), and the right to own private property, alongside freedoms of assembly, expression, association, and religion. They were also obligated to perform military service and pay taxes.

How did Article 87 of the 1906 Constitution allow the Tsar to bypass the parliament?

Article 87 permitted the Tsar and his cabinet to issue decrees during the Duma's absence, which would remain valid if approved by the parliament within two months, effectively allowing executive action when the legislature was not in session.

What was the consequence of Nicholas II's violation of Article 87 in June 1907?

Nicholas II's violation of Article 87, known as the Coup of June 1907, irreparably damaged his reputation among Russian liberals, leading many to believe the constitution was a sham and contributing to further revolutionary agitation and his eventual overthrow.

What limitations were placed on the Duma's budgetary powers by the 1906 Constitution?

The Duma was prohibited from using its budgetary power to deny manpower requests from the Army or Navy. If the legislature did not approve such requests, the military was permitted to call a new number of draftees equal to the previous year's quota, ensuring military strength was maintained.

What was the relationship between the Imperial Court Ministry and the Duma according to the 1906 Constitution?

The Imperial Court Ministry was not subject to the Duma's control, meaning the parliament could not oversee or influence its operations or budget.

How did the 1906 Constitution address the status of Finland?

The constitution acknowledged the Grand Duchy of Finland as an "inseparable part of the Russian state" but ambiguously recognized its special legislative and political status, a point that would later become a source of contention.

What was the fate of the 1906 Constitution following the February Revolution of 1917?

Following the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in February 1917, the Provisional Government, established by the Fourth Duma, unilaterally abolished the Russian monarchy on September 14, 1917, thereby formally abrogating the 1906 Constitution.

Who was Mikhail Speransky and what was his connection to the Fundamental Laws?

Mikhail Speransky was the author of the original 1832 version of the Fundamental Laws of the Russian Empire, which the 1906 Constitution later revised.

What was the role of Peter Kharitonov in the creation of the 1906 Constitution?

Peter Kharitonov, Deputy State Secretary of the State Chancellory, authored the draft that Emperor Nicholas II chose as the basis for the new 1906 Constitution.

How did the Tsar's appointment powers extend to the State Council?

The Tsar had the right to appoint up to one-half of the membership of the State Council, giving him significant influence over this upper legislative chamber.

What was the duration of a Duma member's term under the 1906 Constitution?

Members of the State Duma were elected for a five-year term according to the state election statutes.

Could the Tsar initiate amendments to the constitution?

Yes, amendments to the constitution could only be proposed by the monarch himself, not by the legislative houses.

What was the purpose of the State Council as defined in the 1906 Constitution?

The State Council, as the upper house of the parliament, shared legislative powers with the State Duma, with half its members appointed by the Tsar and the other half elected by various interests.

How did the 1906 Constitution address the issue of religious freedom for non-Orthodox subjects?

The constitution promised full religious liberty to those of other confessions, explicitly including Jews, Muslims, and heathens, while maintaining the Orthodox faith as the state religion.

What was the minimum age for swearing the Oath of Allegiance under the 1906 Constitution?

All male citizens of the empire aged twenty and above were required to swear the Oath of Allegiance, according to their faith and law.

What was the consequence of the Duma's failure to approve military manpower requests under the 1906 Constitution?

If the Duma did not approve manpower requests for the Army or Navy, the military was permitted to call a new number of draftees equal to the previous year's number, ensuring military strength was maintained.

What was the role of the State Chancellory in the drafting of the 1906 Constitution?

The State Chancellory prepared a draft of the new constitution, which was then discussed and amended by the Council of Ministers and the Tsar himself.

What was the nature of the Russian government prior to the 1906 Constitution?

Prior to 1906, the Russian Empire was an absolute monarchy, ruled by an autocratic emperor, commonly referred to as the Tsar, whose power was virtually limitless except for adherence to the Orthodox faith and succession laws.

What was the ultimate fate of the 1906 Constitution and the Russian monarchy?

The 1906 Constitution was formally abrogated in September 1917 when Alexander Kerensky abolished the monarchy following the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in February 1917, marking the end of the imperial system.

How did the Third and Fourth Dumas differ from the First and Second Dumas in their relationship with the Tsar?

While the First and Second Dumas were dismissed by the Tsar for being "unsatisfactory," the Third and Fourth Dumas, elected under altered statutes, proved more lasting but still frequently quarreled with the Tsar and his government over state policy and the fundamental nature of the Russian state.

What was the original title of the document that the 1906 Constitution revised?

The 1906 Constitution revised the Fundamental Laws of the Russian Empire, originally published as the Code of Laws of the Russian Empire in 1832.

What was the role of the October Manifesto in the context of the 1906 Constitution?

The October Manifesto, issued by Tsar Nicholas II in October 1905, promised basic civil rights and an elected parliament, acting as the precursor and foundational document that led to the creation and enactment of the 1906 Constitution.

What specific religious formula was the Tsar required to recite during his coronation according to the 1906 Constitution?

The Tsar was required to recite the Nicene Creed according to the Orthodox Christian formula, specifically excluding the filioque clause.

What were the limitations on the Duma's ability to amend the constitution?

The Duma could not alter the constitution on its own initiative; such amendments could only be proposed by the emperor.

Russian Constitution Of 1906 Wiki: The 1906 Russian Constitution: Blueprint for a Shifting Empire

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Defining the New Order

From Autocracy to Constitutional Monarchy

The Russian Constitution of 1906, formally a revision of the 1832 Fundamental Laws, marked a significant constitutional milestone for the Russian Empire. It formally transitioned the state from an absolute monarchy to one where the Emperor consented to share autocratic power with a bicameral parliament, the State Duma and the State Council. This fundamental alteration was enacted on May 6 [O.S. April 23], 1906, preceding the inaugural session of the First State Duma.

The Emperor's Prerogatives

While establishing a legislative body, the constitution meticulously preserved substantial imperial authority. The Tsar retained an absolute veto over all legislation, the sole initiative for constitutional amendments, and the power to appoint and dismiss ministers. This ensured that while a semblance of shared governance was introduced, the ultimate executive and legislative control remained largely concentrated in the hands of the monarch.

Context of Revolution

Promulgated in the wake of the 1905 Revolution, the constitution was a strategic response by the imperial government to quell widespread unrest and prevent the empire's disintegration. It represented a last-ditch effort to appease liberal and revolutionary factions by introducing representative elements, albeit within a framework designed to safeguard the core structures of imperial power.

Imperial Governance Pre-1906

The Autocratic Tradition

Prior to 1906, the Russian Empire operated as an absolute monarchy. The Tsar's authority, codified in the 1832 Fundamental Laws by Mikhail Speransky, was virtually unlimited, constrained only by adherence to Orthodox faith and specific laws of succession. Institutions like the Governing Senate served administrative and judicial functions but lacked legislative power and remained entirely subordinate to the Tsar.

Early Reformist Efforts

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, various reform proposals emerged, including Alexander I's consideration of a privy committee for parliamentary reform and Alexander II's contemplation of elected commissions. However, these initiatives were often thwarted by conservative opposition or political events, such as Alexander II's assassination, which reinforced the commitment to autocracy under Alexander III and Nicholas II.

Seeds of Discontent

Nicholas II's adherence to absolute monarchy, despite increasing calls for reform, peasant unrest, and the rise of revolutionary movements, created a volatile political climate. Initial concessions, such as improved worker insurance and censorship reforms, proved insufficient for liberal elements demanding a constitution and a national legislative assembly, intensifying the pressure for fundamental change.

Catalyst for Change: 1905

War and Revolution

The disastrous outcome of the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) coupled with the tragic events of Bloody Sunday (January 1905), where imperial troops fired upon unarmed protesters, ignited widespread revolutionary fervor. This confluence of military defeat and internal dissent compelled the Tsarist regime to consider significant political reforms to maintain its existence.

The October Manifesto

Under immense pressure, Tsar Nicholas II issued the October Manifesto on October 30 [O.S. October 17], 1905. This decree promised fundamental civil rights and the establishment of an elected parliament, the State Duma. Count Sergei Witte, instrumental in negotiating the Treaty of Portsmouth, was appointed Chairman of the Council of Ministers and advocated for these reforms, with even Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich threatening suicide if the Tsar refused.

Drafting and Ratification

Following the Manifesto, several drafts for revising the Fundamental Laws were prepared, drawing inspiration from constitutions of Austria-Hungary, Japan, and Prussia, as well as liberal proposals. The final version, largely based on Peter Kharitonov's draft with amendments strengthening imperial prerogatives, was officially published on May 6 [O.S. April 23], 1906. This act formally established Russia as a constitutional monarchy, though the extent of this constitutionalism would be continually contested.

Key Provisions of the 1906 Laws

Imperial Authority

The constitution designated the Emperor as the holder of "supreme sovereign power," inviolable and ordained by God. Key imperial prerogatives included:

An absolute veto over all legislation.
Legislative initiative on all matters, including constitutional amendments.
Sole authority over foreign affairs, war declarations, and treaty negotiations.
Supreme command of the armed forces.
The right to appoint and dismiss ministers at will.

Bicameral Legislature

A bicameral parliament was established:

State Council: The upper house, with half its members appointed by the Tsar and the other half elected by various state, clerical, and commercial bodies.
State Duma: The lower house, elected by segments of the populace through a complex, weighted indirect system favoring property owners.

Both houses shared legislative initiative, but laws required approval from both, the Tsar, and the State Council. However, the Duma lacked control over ministerial appointments and dismissals.

Rights and Duties

The constitution guaranteed certain civil liberties, including protection against arbitrary arrest, inviolability of domicile, freedom of assembly, expression, and religion. It also mandated military service for all males and the payment of taxes. However, these rights were subject to limitations defined by law and imperial decree.

Legislative Process & Limitations

Laws required approval from the Emperor, State Council, and State Duma. Crucially, Article 87 allowed the Tsar to issue decrees during parliamentary recesses, which would lose validity if not confirmed by the Duma within two months. The Tsar's subsequent manipulation of electoral laws (violating Article 87) in 1907 significantly undermined the constitution's legitimacy.

The Constitution's Demise

Erosion of Trust

Nicholas II's dissatisfaction with the constitutional limitations and his unilateral alteration of electoral statutes in 1907 (the "Coup of June 1907") irrevocably damaged the credibility of the 1906 constitution. This action, seen as a violation of Article 87, fueled further revolutionary sentiment and solidified the perception of the constitution as a mere facade.

The Final Act

The escalating political instability, exacerbated by World War I, culminated in the February Revolution of 1917. Following Tsar Nicholas II's abdication, the Provisional Government, led by Alexander Kerensky, formally abolished the monarchy and, consequently, the 1906 Constitution on September 14 [O.S. September 1], 1917. This paved the way for the Bolshevik seizure of power and the establishment of a Soviet state.

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References

Russian Fundamental Laws of 1906, Great Encyclopedia of Russian History.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Russian Constitution of 1906 Wikipedia page

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The 1906 Russian Constitution

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Defining the New Order ⚖️

👑 From Autocracy to Constitutional Monarchy

📜 The Emperor's Prerogatives

🏛️ Context of Revolution

Imperial Governance Pre-1906 ⏳

👑 The Autocratic Tradition

💡 Early Reformist Efforts

🔥 Seeds of Discontent

Catalyst for Change: 1905 💥

⚔️ War and Revolution

🤝 The October Manifesto

✍️ Drafting and Ratification

Key Provisions of the 1906 Laws 📖

👑 Imperial Authority

⚖️ Bicameral Legislature

📜 Rights and Duties

📜 Legislative Process & Limitations

The Constitution's Demise ⚰️

📉 Erosion of Trust

⚔️ The Final Act

Further Context 🔗

📚 Related Documents

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Defining the New Order

From Autocracy to Constitutional Monarchy

The Emperor's Prerogatives

Context of Revolution

Imperial Governance Pre-1906

The Autocratic Tradition

Early Reformist Efforts

Seeds of Discontent

Catalyst for Change: 1905

War and Revolution

The October Manifesto

Drafting and Ratification

Key Provisions of the 1906 Laws

Imperial Authority

Bicameral Legislature

Rights and Duties

Legislative Process & Limitations

The Constitution's Demise

Erosion of Trust

The Final Act

Further Context

Related Documents

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice