The Code also provided that the Emperor was entitled to issue new laws on his own behalf.ĭelegates of the Second State Duma at a session in the Tauride Palace. In accordance with the Code of Main State Laws, approved by Nicholas II on 23 April 1906, the Emperor took decisions regarding ministers’ appointment, Russian foreign policy, and declaration of a state of emergency. The First State Duma was restricted in its powers and authority. There was no universal (women, young people under 25, military people, some nationalities could not vote), equal (landowners’ curia: one elector from 2 000 persons with a right to vote, city habitants curia – from 4 000, peasants curia – from 30 000, workers curia – from 90 000) and direct voting. Six curia were established: landowners, city habitats, peasants, workers, Cossacks, and non-Slavic people. The elections to the First Duma were conducted in accordance with a law of December 1905.

The opening of the first session took place on 27 April 1906 in Tauride Palace in Saint-Petersburg. The term of work – 27 April – 8 July 1906 The photo is in the archives in Saint-Petersburg The First State Duma of the Russian EmpireĪ group of delegates of the First State Duma during the meeting. A total number of elected delegates of the Duma varied from 478 to 525 in different years. The Duma consisted of landowners, representatives of the industrial middle class, merchants, city intellectuals, and peasants. Thus the State Duma was transformed from an advisory body to a legislative organ. However, on 17 October 1905, the Emperor signed a new Manifesto establishing that no law could enter into force without an approval of the State Duma.

The Duma should have exercised only quasi-legislative function.

The State Council of the Russian Empire became the second chamber. On 6 August 1905, Emperor Nicholas II issued a Manifesto on Establishment and Organisational Rules of one of the parliament chambers – the State Duma. The first representative body of legislative power was created in the Russian Empire in 1905 as result of the revolution. Emperor Nicholas II is giving a speech at the opening day of the First State Duma in the Georgian Hall of the Winter Palace.

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