Local Government Reforms Flashcards
What are the conditions to local government reforms from 1864-1870
Elected local councils (zemstva) replaced the rights and obligations of the serf-owning gentry:
-they were chosen through electoral colleges; there was a separate college for nobles,townspeople, Church and peasants allowing a degree of popular representation
They were composed of men who understood the locality and its needs.
-they were given power to improve public service development industrial projects and administer poor relief. In 1870, elected town councils called Dumas were set up in the towns.
What were the limitations of local government reforms?
-the power of the zemtva was strictly limited
-they had no control over taxes
-the voting procedure favoured the nobility
-provincial governors continued to appoint officials, took responsibility for law and order and could overturn zemtvo decisions
-The councils were never truly ‘people’s assemblies’ They attracted doctors, lawyers, teachers, and scientists who used meetings to debate political issues.
