Local government reforms Flashcards
What were the local councils established under Alexander II’s reforms called?
The zemstva, which could improve public services like roads, schools, and public health.
Why did nobles dominate the zemstva despite being elected councils?
The voting system favored the nobility, allowing them to maintain control.
When and how were Alexander II’s local government reforms extended?
In 1870, elected town councils called Dumas were set up.
What power did provincial governors have over the zemstva?
They could overturn any zemstvo decisions, limiting their authority.
How did the zemstva contribute to demands for further reforms?
By exceeding expectations, they created an appetite for a national zemstvo, similar to a parliament.
Which professionals began to dominate the zemstva and town Duma?
Doctors, teachers, and later lawyers became prominent members.
How did the zemstva undermine autocracy?
They became forums for debating and criticizing government policies.
What were the limitations of the zemstva?
They lacked tax-raising powers, were dominated by the nobility, and could be overridden by provincial governors.
Why were the zemstva significant despite their limitations?
They represented the first form of limited representative government in Russia.
