Establishment of the State Council

The establishment of the State Council, the first Supreme Council for Legislation in the Russian Empire, occurred in 1810. He considered the bills introduced by the ministers, before they were approved by the emperor. The creation of the State Duma, as well as of the highest legislative body, occurred using the electoral system. At the same time, one part of the members was appointed by the emperor, and the other was elected.

The first time the creation of the State Council took place at the direction of the emperor. The first thirty-five members were ministers (in accordance with the provision) and appointed trusted dignitaries. The emperor was considered the chairman, and in case of his absence - one of the members of the Council appointed by him. From 1812 to 1865, the prime minister was the chairman of the supreme body.

The establishment of the State Council presupposed the formation of the Commission for drafting laws and the Chancellery, headed by the Secretary of the Government. The Chancellery was engaged not only in the management of records management, but also in the editing of the texts of draft laws that were submitted for discussion, as well as the work on drafting laws.

The establishment of the State Council allowed the consideration of bills after discussion in departments. After their approval by the emperor, the laws came into force. At the same time, the emperor could agree with both the majority and the minority of the State Council, and could completely reject any opinion.

The committee consisted of chairmen of departments. He was entrusted with the review of the project on the transformation of ministries.

The State Council also discussed the states and budgets of institutions, complaints about the definitions of departments from the Senate and other bodies. At the Supreme Body there was a commission of petitions. The State Council carried out an important task in the development and publication of the Code of Laws and the first Complete Legislative Compendium of the Russian Empire. So, in 1833, thirty-three volumes of the Complete Collection and fifteen volumes of the Code of Laws were developed and prepared. During the reign of Alexander II, the State Council participated in the development of the legislative framework for the transformation of the 1860s and 1870s.

After the proclamation of the Manifesto of 1905, certain reforms took place in the administrative apparatus. Thus, the State Council was transformed into an upper chamber in the Parliament of the country. Since that moment, half of the participants were appointed by the ruler, and the second half was elected. Elections were carried out in accordance with professional and class curia. Members were representatives of noble societies, zemstvo meetings, clergy. The supreme body considered the bills passed by the State Duma prior to their approval by the emperor. The governor at the same time considered only those normative acts that were approved in both chambers. It should be noted that the Council and the Duma had various legislative rights.

In 1917, after the revolution, the supreme organ ceased to exist.

The re-establishment of the State Council occurred in 1991 under the decree of the USSR President Gorbachev. He also became chairman of the Supreme Body. The State Council existed before the collapse of the Soviet Union. Again it was formed by President Putin. The establishment of the State Council as an advisory body was in 2000, the first of September. Ensuring its activities is entrusted to the Office of the President on internal political activity.

In the State Council there are top leaders from the subjects of federations. In accordance with the decision of the President, other personalities may also be present in the body.