Nature Of Government Flashcards
Describe the nature of autocracy as practiced by the Tsars.
Autocracy involved total submission from subjects, with the Tsar acting as a moral judge on behalf of God, supported by the Russian Orthodox Church. It was seen as a practical necessity due to the large population of 60 million, with 82% being peasants.
Explain the significance of the Fundamental Laws of 1832 in the context of autocracy.
The Fundamental Laws of 1832 reinforced the belief in autocracy by stating that the Tsar possessed supreme autocratic power, supported by propaganda slogans like ‘Orthodoxy, Autocracy and Nationality’.
How did Tsar Alexander II’s reforms impact the perception of autocracy?
Although Alexander II made liberal reforms, he did not waver from the sentiment of autocracy, and an assassination attempt in 1866 made him more committed to autocratic principles.
What changes did Alexander III implement in response to liberalism?
Alexander III became more repressive, suppressing the People’s Will and reversing many of the liberal changes made by his predecessor, Alexander II.
Define the concept of dictatorship in the context of Marxism.
In Marxism, dictatorship refers to the ‘dictatorship of the proletariat,’ where the working class holds power and the superstructure is shaped to maintain this control.
How did Lenin’s approach to Marxism evolve by the 1890s?
By the 1890s, Lenin embraced Marxism and believed that the authorities’ reaction to strikes in St Petersburg demonstrated that the superstructure would always prevail to keep workers in place.
Explain the transition from War Communism to the New Economic Policy (NEP) under Lenin.
Lenin replaced War Communism, which was associated with famine, with the NEP, which allowed for some economic freedom and production without restrictions, while still maintaining a dictatorial approach.
What characterized Stalin’s version of totalitarianism?
Stalin’s totalitarianism was characterized by a command economy focused on Five-Year Plans and collectivization, along with a highly personalized superstructure to prevent infighting.
Describe the impact of de-Stalinization on the Soviet Union.
De-Stalinization aimed to reduce extreme repression and improve the USSR’s image, leading to the release of political prisoners, relaxation of censorship, and erosion of the cult of personality.
What was the reaction to Khrushchev’s secret speech during de-Stalinization?
Khrushchev’s secret speech caused an outcry among senior party members and led to attempts by the Anti-Party Group to abolish his position, which would have undermined his power.
How did the government structure under the Tsars evolve over time?
The government structure evolved from the Personal Chancellery of his Imperial Majesty, which included legal advisors and secret police, to the Council of Ministers established in 1861, with officials nominated by the Tsar.
What were the features of Khrushchev’s leadership during de-Stalinization?
Khrushchev’s leadership featured the release of political prisoners, relaxation of censorship, and a response to unrest through order maintained by the MVD, rather than violence.
Describe the role of the Imperial Council of State in the Russian government.
The Imperial Council of State provided advice on legal and financial matters, but the tsar was under no obligation to follow its recommendations.
Explain the significance of the October Manifesto in 1905.
The October Manifesto was a response to the pressures for change during the 1905 revolution, leading to a more representative government in the form of the Duma.
Define the structure of the Russian government in 1905.
The structure included the Tsar, the Council of Ministers, the State Council (upper chamber), and the Duma (elected lower chamber), with the tsar having the authority to disband the Duma.
How did the Russo-Japanese War contribute to political change in Russia?
The Russo-Japanese War increased pressure for change, culminating in the 1905 revolution characterized by assassinations, strikes, and the Bloody Sunday massacre.
Discuss the role of the Duma in the Russian government.
The Duma was an elected assembly that represented various social groups and had the power to block proposed legislation, although the tsar could disband it.
Explain the impact of Lenin’s April Thesis on the Bolshevik movement.
Lenin’s April Thesis called for the seizure of power by the soviet, facilitating the revival of political groups like the Bolsheviks and garnering support from workers and peasants.
What was the outcome of the Second All-Russian Congress of Soviets for the Bolsheviks?
The Bolsheviks gained a clear mandate after the right-wing SRs and Mensheviks walked out of the Congress.
Describe the significance of the Decree on Land issued by the Bolshevik government.
The Decree on Land sanctioned the requisition of private land by peasants, which could only be executed by village soviets, winning some support from opponents.
How did the Bolshevik government respond to the Constituent Assembly in November 1917?
The Bolsheviks failed to win a majority in the Constituent Assembly, which Lenin claimed was an expression of the old regime, leading to its closure after one day.
Explain the concept of democratic centralism as practiced by the Bolsheviks.
Democratic centralism involved the people agreeing to be led by a cadre based in Moscow until a genuine workers’ government could be established.
What was the structure of the Soviet government under Stalin?
The structure included the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, which elected the Sovnarkom and had the sole power to make laws, along with the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities, where each republic was allowed 25 members.
Discuss the role of the Cheka in the Bolshevik government.
The Cheka was established to prevent the emergence of counter-revolutionary movements during the Bolshevik regime.