Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
The nature of dual power: the political complexion of the Provisional…
Full specification wording
The Provisional government and its opponents, February– October 1917: The nature of dual power: the political complexion of the Provisional government; the extent of its power and support; the aims and membership of the Petrograd Soviet; early political reforms.
Dual power describes two rival authorities after February 1917.
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
Dual power describes two rival authorities after February 1917. The Provisional Government, drawn largely from liberal Kadets and Octobrists in the Duma, held formal office but lacked elected legitimacy; it depended on the Petrograd Soviet's tolerance. The Soviet, dominated by Mensheviks and SRs, claimed to speak for workers and soldiers through Order No. 1, yet initially supported the government conditionally. Its power rested on mass support, not law. The government's authority was limited: it controlled ministries but not the army rank and file or factories. Early reforms included civil liberties, religious tolerance, abolition of the death penalty and preparation for a Constituent Assembly.
What earns the marks
- Explains that dual power meant the Provisional Government held formal ministerial authority while the Petrograd Soviet commanded mass loyalty among workers and soldiers.
- Identifies the political complexion of the Provisional Government as predominantly liberal, with Kadets and Octobrists prominent, and notes its lack of elected mandate.
- Assesses the extent of the government's power: it could pass reforms and run ministries but could not enforce authority over the army or factories without Soviet consent.
- Explains the aims and membership of the Petrograd Soviet, including Menshevik and SR dominance and its role in issuing Order No. 1.
- Describes early political reforms such as civil liberties, religious tolerance, abolition of the death penalty and moves towards a Constituent Assembly.
- Evaluates how the relationship between the two bodies shaped political stability and the government's freedom of action.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Treating the Provisional Government as fully sovereign.
Put it right: It shared authority with the Soviet and often needed Soviet approval.
Assuming the Petrograd Soviet was Bolshevik-controlled in spring 1917.
Put it right: Mensheviks and SRs were dominant until later in the year.
Listing reforms without linking them to the government's weakness.
Put it right: Explain how reforms were limited by the government's dependence on the Soviet and the army.
Exam tips
- Define dual power precisely in your opening sentence, then use it as the analytical thread throughout the essay.
- Support claims about power and support with specific evidence such as Order No. 1 or the membership of the first cabinet.
- When discussing reforms, assess their significance for the government's authority rather than merely listing them.
Try the lesson
The start of the The Provisional government and its opponents, February– October 1917: The nature of dual power: the political complexion of the Provisional government; the extent of its power and support; the aims and membership of the Petrograd Soviet; early political reforms. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which political group provided the largest number of members of the Provisional government formed in March 1917?
Listen
Dual power describes two rival authorities after February 1917. The Provisional Government, drawn largely from liberal Kadets and Octobrists in the Duma, held formal office but lacked elected legitimacy; it depended on the Petrograd Soviet's tolerance. The Soviet, dominated by Mensheviks and SRs, claimed to speak for workers and soldiers through Order No. 1, yet initially supported the government conditionally. Its power rested on mass support, not law. The government's authority was limited: it controlled ministries but not the army rank and file or factories. Early reforms included civil liberties, religious tolerance, abolition of the death penalty and preparation for a Constituent Assembly. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains that dual power meant the Provisional Government held formal ministerial authority while the Petrograd Soviet commanded mass loyalty among workers and soldiers. Identifies the political complexion of the Provisional Government as predominantly liberal, with Kadets and Octobrists prominent, and notes its lack of elected mandate. Assesses the extent of the government's power: it could pass reforms and run ministries but could not enforce authority over the army or factories without Soviet consent. Explains the aims and membership of the Petrograd Soviet, including Menshevik and SR dominance and its role in issuing Order No. 1. A common slip: Treating the Provisional Government as fully sovereign. Instead, it shared authority with the Soviet and often needed Soviet approval. Exam tip: Define dual power precisely in your opening sentence, then use it as the analytical thread throughout the essay.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Dual power
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Legitimacy and authority
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Liberal reform
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Class and mass politics
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See every definition
- Dual power
- Two rival authorities after February 1917: the Provisional Government held formal office but depended on the Petrograd Soviet's tolerance.
- Legitimacy and authority
- The government lacked elected legitimacy and its authority was limited, controlling ministries but not the army rank and file or factories.
- Liberal reform
- Early reforms included civil liberties, religious tolerance, abolition of the death penalty and preparation for a Constituent Assembly.
- Class and mass politics
- The Soviet claimed to speak for workers and soldiers through Order No. 1, its power resting on mass support, not law.
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