Understanding the Russian Duma and its Constitution

The question asks about the Russian Emperor during whose reign the Duma was established. The Duma, officially known as the State Duma, was a legislative assembly in the late Russian Empire.

What was the Duma?

The State Duma was the lower house of the legislative assembly of the Russian Empire, which was established as a result of the Russian Revolution of 1905. It was intended to be a representative body, though its powers were often limited by the Tsar.

The Reign of Nicholas II

Emperor Nicholas II reigned from 1894 until his forced abdication in 1917. His reign was marked by significant social and political unrest, culminating in the 1905 Revolution and the later 1917 Revolution.

Constitution of the Duma

Following the widespread strikes, protests, and unrest during the 1905 Revolution, Tsar Nicholas II issued the October Manifesto (also known as the Manifesto of October 17, 1905). This manifesto granted certain civil liberties, including freedom of speech, assembly, and association, and promised the creation of an elected legislative assembly, the State Duma.

The First State Duma was convened in April 1906. Therefore, the Duma was constituted during the reign of Emperor Nicholas II.

Analyzing the Options

• Nicholas I: Reigned from 1825 to 1855. This was long before the events leading to the 1905 Revolution and the establishment of the Duma.
• Nicholas II: Reigned from 1894 to 1917. The Duma was established in 1906 during his reign as a concession after the 1905 Revolution.
• Nicholas III: There was no Russian Emperor named Nicholas III.
• Nicholas IV: There was no Russian Emperor named Nicholas IV.

Based on historical facts, the Duma was constituted during the reign of Nicholas II.

Conclusion

The State Duma was a significant development in Russian history, marking a shift towards a more representative, albeit still autocratic, system. Its establishment was a direct consequence of the political upheaval during the reign of Nicholas II.

Revision Table: Russian Duma Key Facts

Additional Information: The October Manifesto

The October Manifesto was a document issued by Tsar Nicholas II on October 30, 1905 (October 17 in the Julian calendar, which is why it's also called the Manifesto of October 17). It was a response to the widespread strikes and protests of the 1905 Revolution. The manifesto promised:

• Granting of fundamental civil freedoms, such as freedom of person, conscience, speech, assembly, and association.
• Participation in the State Duma for all classes of the population.
• The State Duma to have legislative power; no law could come into force without its approval.

While it appeared to introduce significant reforms and limit autocratic power, Nicholas II later issued the Fundamental State Laws in 1906, which effectively reaffirmed his autocratic authority and limited the Duma's power, particularly over finances and government ministers.