Russia’s political system at the turn of the 20th century was one of the most backward in Europe. It was one of the few remaining autocracies: all political power and sovereignty was vested in a hereditary monarch, the tsar (a term derived from the Latin ‘caesar’). The tsar was bound by only two restrictions: adherence to the Russian Orthodox Church and the laws of succession. In all other matters, the tsar and his will were considered supreme. Unlike most other nations, Russia had no constitution, no elected representative assembly, no democratic processes within the national government, no high court or court of appeal that could examine or restrain the tsar’s laws. Tsarist government was essentially government by decree: the tsar issued declarations or proclamations and his ministers, governors and bureaucrats implemented them. Here are some five key points to remember
1. Tsarist government was predicated on the tsar’s supreme autocratic power, which was inviolable. 2. Tsarism had no democracy, representation or accountability at higher levels. All officials were chosen by the tsar. 3. Beyond the capital, tsarist decrees were implemented and enforced by provincial governors and bureaucrats. 4. The bureaucracy was the public face of the government but was widely despised for its corruption and officiousness. 5. Tsarism was also supported by conservative groups like the Black Hundred that sprang up in the early 1900s.
