Powers of the Tsar

• The Tsar had absolute power and this made Russia an autocracy.
• Only the Tsar could make new laws.
• Government ministers were simply advisors and the Tsar was free to ignore their advice and fire them at any time he wished.
• There was no parliament or elected representatives, so there was no way that people could challenge the decisions of the Tsar.
• The Tsar also had an important position in the armed forces and commander-in-chief.
• The Tsar also had religious powers as Head of the Russian Orthodox Church and was believed to have been divinely appointed by God.