The four dumas 1906-17 Flashcards
(19 cards)
How were members of the Lower Chamber elected?
Via indirect voting by estates, weighted toward nobility and peasants (5-year terms)
What was unique about the Upper Chamber’s composition?
Half elected by zemstva, half appointed by the Tsar - dominated by nobility
Who controlled the Council of Ministers?
The Tsar exclusively appointed them under the Prime Minister
What final approval did all legislation require?
Who controlled the Council of Ministers?
The Tsar exclusively appointed them under the Prime Minister
What final approval did all legislation require?
The Tsar’s personal approval
Which political groups dominated the First Duma?
Bolsheviks, SRs, and right-wing Union of the Russian People
Why was the First Duma significant for peasant representation?
120 deputies were peasants
Why was the First Duma dissolved?
After passing a vote of no confidence in the Tsar (lasted only 10 weeks)
What radical demands did the First Duma make?
Ministerial accountability, land seizures from gentry, and abolition of death penalty
How did Stolypin manipulate the Second Duma’s outcome?
Used emergency powers to bypass it and spread rumors of assassination plots
What key electoral change followed its dissolution?
Reduced peasant vote, increased gentry representation
Why was the Third Duma considered more compliant?
Approved 2200/2500 government proposals
How did the government still override it?
Suspended it twice (1911) to pass legislation via emergency powers
What external factor re-energized opposition by 1914?
Resurgence of strike activity despite Duma divisions
How did Prime Minister Kokovtsov treat the Fourth Duma?
Ignored it, allowing its influence to decline
What trend characterized the Dumas’ evolution from 1906-1917?
Increasing government control and decreasing effectiveness
How did the Fundamental Laws affect all Dumas?
Tsar retained ultimate power to dissolve them and veto legislation
What contradiction existed in the Duma system’s design?
Had legislative power but no real authority over ministers or Tsar
