Editing Duma (section)

===Russian Empire===
{{main|State Duma (Russian Empire)}}
Under the pressure of the [[Russian Revolution of 1905]], on 6 August 1905, [[Sergei Witte]] issued a manifesto about the convocation of the Duma, initially thought to be an advisory organ. In the subsequent [[October Manifesto]], Nicholas II pledged to introduce basic [[civil liberties]], provide for broad participation in the State Duma, and endow the Duma with legislative and oversight powers.

However, Nicholas II was determined to retain his autocratic power. Just before the creation of the Duma in May 1906, the Tsar issued the [[Russian Constitution of 1906|Fundamental Laws]]. It stated in part that the Tsar's [[Minister (government)|minister]]s could not be appointed by, and were not responsible to, the Duma, thus denying [[responsible government]] at the executive level. Furthermore, the Tsar had the power to dismiss the Duma and announce new elections whenever he wished.  At this first meeting of the Duma members proposed that political prisoners should be released, trade unions given rights and land reform be introduced.  Nicholas II rejected these suggestions and dissolved the assembly in July, 1906.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://spartacus-educational.com/RUSduma.htm|title=The Duma|access-date=8 November 2016}}</ref>

The imperial State Duma was elected four times: in 1906, twice in 1907, and in 1912.