The Fundamental Laws

• April 1906

  • The Fundamental Laws were published.
  • These further strengthened Nicholas' power within the new constitution.
• In principle, the Tsar retained autocratic control and could veto any law proposed by his Council of Ministers.
• Article 87 of the Fundamental Laws gave the Tsar the power to rule by decree in "exceptional circumstances" when the Duma was not sitting.
• April 1906

  • Witte who wrote the October Manifesto was forced to resign as Nicholas came increasingly under the influence of conservative and reactionary influences at court again.
  • Witte was replaced by Ivan Goremykin who was an old-fashioned conservative who aimed to uphold as much of the Tsarist autocracy as he could.