Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Change and continuity in government: the Fundamental Law; the radicalism…
Full specification wording
The end of Romanov rule, 1906–17: Change and continuity in government: the Fundamental Law; the radicalism of the first two dumas; Nicholas II’s relations with the dumas, 1906–14; the nature of Tsarist government and royal power in 1914.
The Fundamental Law of 1906 preserved autocracy while creating a legislature.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 4
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The Fundamental Law of 1906 preserved autocracy while creating a legislature. It declared the Tsar’s supreme power and gave him control of ministers, the army and foreign policy. The Duma could debate and approve budgets, but the Tsar could dissolve it and rule by decree under Article 87. The first two Dumas, elected in 1906 and 1907, were radical: they demanded land reform, civil liberties and ministerial responsibility. The First Duma was dissolved after two months; the Second after three. Nicholas II distrusted the Duma, preferring loyal advisers. By 1914, royal power remained dominant: the Tsar appointed and dismissed ministers, controlled the army and foreign policy, and could change electoral laws. The Duma was a consultative body, not a parliament controlling the government. Continuity outweighed change.
What earns the marks
- Explains that the Fundamental Law of 1906 retained autocracy by declaring the Tsar’s supreme power and control over ministers, the army and foreign policy.
- Describes the radicalism of the first two Dumas: demands for land reform, civil liberties and ministerial responsibility, and their rapid dissolution.
- Analyses Nicholas II’s relations with the Dumas, 1906–14: distrust, reliance on loyal ministers, and use of Article 87 and dissolution.
- Assesses the nature of Tsarist government and royal power in 1914: the Tsar remained dominant, the Duma was consultative, and continuity outweighed change.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Claiming the Fundamental Law created a sovereign parliament.
Put it right: It preserved autocracy; the Duma could not control ministers or the Tsar.
Stating the first two Dumas were conservative.
Put it right: They were radical, demanding land reform and civil liberties.
Saying Nicholas II worked closely with the Dumas.
Put it right: He distrusted them, dissolved them quickly and ruled by decree when possible.
Exam tips
- Use precise dates: Fundamental Law 1906, First Duma 1906, Second Duma 1907, and the 1914 context.
- Support arguments with specific examples, such as the Fundamental Law’s articles or the dissolution of the Dumas.
- Address both change and continuity, and reach a clear judgement about the balance by 1914.
Try the lesson
The start of the The end of Romanov rule, 1906–17: Change and continuity in government: the Fundamental Law; the radicalism of the first two dumas; Nicholas II’s relations with the dumas, 1906–14; the nature of Tsarist government and royal power in 1914. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Under the Fundamental Laws of 1906, what power did Article 87 grant to the Tsar?
Listen
The Fundamental Law of 1906 preserved autocracy while creating a legislature. It declared the Tsar’s supreme power and gave him control of ministers, the army and foreign policy. The Duma could debate and approve budgets, but the Tsar could dissolve it and rule by decree under Article 87. The first two Dumas, elected in 1906 and 1907, were radical: they demanded land reform, civil liberties and ministerial responsibility. The First Duma was dissolved after two months; the Second after three. Nicholas II distrusted the Duma, preferring loyal advisers. By 1914, royal power remained dominant: the Tsar appointed and dismissed ministers, controlled the army and foreign policy, and could change electoral laws. The Duma was a consultative body, not a parliament controlling the government. Continuity outweighed change. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains that the Fundamental Law of 1906 retained autocracy by declaring the Tsar’s supreme power and control over ministers, the army and foreign policy. Describes the radicalism of the first two Dumas: demands for land reform, civil liberties and ministerial responsibility, and their rapid dissolution. Analyses Nicholas II’s relations with the Dumas, 1906–14: distrust, reliance on loyal ministers, and use of Article 87 and dissolution. Assesses the nature of Tsarist government and royal power in 1914: the Tsar remained dominant, the Duma was consultative, and continuity outweighed change. A common slip: claiming the Fundamental Law created a sovereign parliament. Instead, it preserved autocracy; the Duma could not control ministers or the Tsar. Exam tip: Use precise dates: Fundamental Law 1906, First Duma 1906, Second Duma 1907, and the 1914 context.
Put the events in order
Put these events in the order they happened, earliest first.
- 1. Fundamental Law preserved autocracy while creating a legislature
- 2. Royal power remained dominant and continuity outweighed change
- 3. Second Duma elected and proved radical
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Autocracy and constitutional change
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
The Duma and representative government
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Nicholas II's personal rule
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Continuity of royal power
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Autocracy and constitutional change
- The Fundamental Law of 1906 preserved autocracy while creating a legislature, declaring the Tsar's supreme power and giving him control of ministers, the army and foreign policy.
- The Duma and representative government
- A legislature that could debate and approve budgets, but which the Tsar could dissolve and rule by decree under Article 87; a consultative body, not a parliament controlling the government.
- Nicholas II's personal rule
- He distrusted the Duma, preferring loyal advisers, appointed and dismissed ministers, controlled the army and foreign policy, and could change electoral laws.
- Continuity of royal power
- By 1914 royal power remained dominant and continuity outweighed change, as the Tsar remained dominant and the Duma was consultative.
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