The renewed system of the Russian Empire and the royal prerogative in the projects of Lev Tikhomirov

Abstract

As a result of the reforms of 1905–1907, an attempt was made to build a syncretic system — the Duma monarchy with an eye to the schemes of the parliamentary system of European countries, without conforming either to national traditions or to the historical conditions of Russia. The scheme of “right perestroika” proposed by L.A. Tikhomirov can be briefly defined as the introduction of a monarchical people’s representation into the state system, the purpose of which is to represent the opinions and needs of the people under the supreme power of the Sovereign Emperor. Representation and legislation in this case should be carried out by two different State institutions in the field of public administration. The monarchical people’s representation should be formed from the real-life estate and professional associations, as well as from newly emerging and recognized by the state, with the legitimized dominance of the voice of the Russian people in this representation. To do this, L.A. Tikhomirov proposed a new codification of the Basic Laws, which would consistently carry out the idea of the need for legislative freedom for the supreme power in its activities for the benefit of the Fatherland, which should be guaranteed by the autocracy and unlimited supreme power of the Sovereign Emperor.