2.5) Tsarist government structure

Question 1

What was the govt like under the Tsars?

Answer 1

• Alexander II was crowned with a central govt structre dating back to the 19th century
• 1855-1905 govt structre remained mainly the same
• Functioned okay but emerging political groups wanted more representation
• 1905 onwards more liberal, Nicholas II introduced reforms

Question 2

How far did Alexander II change the structure of govt?

What did he do?

Answer 2

Not a lot, Alexander II disliked the idea of a personal chancellery so in 1861 he replaced it with a council of ministers- which was chaired by the Tsar and consisted of officials appointed by him

Question 3

How far did Alexander III change the structure of govt?

Answer 3

Very little all he does is replace the personal chancellery of his Imperial Majesty with the Council of Ministers

Question 4

Before 1905 who made decisions in govt?

Answer 4

In 1882 Alexander III abandoned the council of ministers and shared out duties into other organs of government

Question 5

After 1905 who could propose legislation and ideas?

Answer 5

The Tsar, the Duma could only block the Tsar’s propositions and not make their own

Question 6

What was the structure of the Provinsional Government?

Answer 6

• Dual authority- led by by Petrograd Soviet and Provinsional governtment