The Fundamental State Laws of 1906 were simply revisions of the Fundamental Laws of 1832. They simply reasserted the Tsar’s absolute power. It took away the rights that were given to the people after the October Manifesto. The new laws introduced referred to “the essence of the supreme autocratic power”. This declared that the Tsar possessed “supreme sovereign power” and that obedience to his commands was mandated by God himself. The Tsar possessed an absolute veto over all legislation, legislative initiative on all matters, and the sole prerogative to initiate any revision of the constitution itself. The Tsar had charge over Russia’s administrative and external affairs, had sole power to declare war, make peace, negotiate treaties and had supreme command of the armed forces. The emperor also retained authority over the minting of money, as well as the right to grant pardons and quash judicial proceedings. He appointed and dismissed his ministers at will and decided the nature and scope of their duties. Therefore the Tsar’s power was reinstated and nothing changed, all remained as before the October Manifesto with the Tsar holding supreme power.
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