Governing Senate

The Ruling Senate (Russian Правительствующий сенат ) the supreme authority in the Russian Empire Empire and for internal administration and the judiciary had been created in 1711 and existed until 1917.

Because of his almost constant absence in the field of the Great Northern War, built in the context of the reform Tsar Peter I in 1711, on the occasion of the new Turkish campaign, the Governing Senate. He solved the same time from the Boyars.

The Senate was a group of the highest dignitaries of the country, had the advisory role and should be able to lead the government in the absence of Tsar Peter I.. With the decree of 22 February 1711, nine men to senators, said the body firm as part of the old Boyars staff continuity also came to light. The Senate had to pass the judiciary and the entire field of domestic policy. The previously passed Boyars was discontinued thereafter. The Senate was occupied as far as possible with people who have been chosen for their competence. The military and the State Department had a key position, they were always in close contact with the Emperor.

In the years 1711 - 1726 the Governing Senate is also the highest consulting, controlling and directing instance, to the foundation of the colleges 1718/19, the central administrative authority. His position of power will only be eliminated by the Supreme Privy Council is formed on 8 February in 1726. After a coup this Council threatened solved Empress Anna the Supreme Privy Council again and gave the Senate its position as the " Reigning " back and appoint again a Generalprokureur, but the Senate did not get to the position that he possessed under Emperor Peter I. has. Rather, the Empress puts on November 10, 1731 a a Cabinet Ministry. After the coup Elizabeth on November 25, 1741 the Cabinet on December 12, 1741 will be abolished. Although Empress Elisabeth represents the Senate explicitly in the form restores, as he had passed under her father, Peter I., but also it forms an advice from a few people.

Since the judicial reform of 1864, the Senate was mainly Cassation. He led the supervision of the local government and the courts, published the laws and was responsible for its interpretation. It consisted of six departments since 1898.