The real state councilor is a civil rank in Russia

One of the most common ranks in tsarist Russia was a real state councilor. This rank was worn by many government officials. The emergence of this title, like many others, is associated with the name of Peter I. About who is a real state councilor, how you could get this title, and much more - in this article.

Table of Ranks

The Law on the Tsar's Service in Russia was issued in 1722, and he was called the Table of Ranks. To prepare this decree, the tsarist authorities reacted very responsibly, spending about three years creating this document. The table of ranks was the natural outcome of the cardinal reforms of Peter I, as a result of which the number of posts in the state and military apparatus increased sharply. The basis for this document was similar regulations issued in various Western European countries. When drafting, the titles that were already used in the state hierarchy were taken into account. Also, a register of new ranks and ranks was compiled, which were subsequently actively used in the Russian Empire. In all, there were three large sections in the Table of Ranks that were dedicated to military, civil and court officials. Among these new ranks there was a rank, which received the name of a real state councilor. This is one of the fourteen ranks that belonged to the civil (civil) section of the Table.

Nobility and Table of Ranks

As can be seen from the text of the Table, the document did not give new ranks and titles to people who "did not serve the tsar and patronymic". Thus, even the most aristocratic noblemen did not hold any position until they were in the service. On the contrary, a native of an ignorant clan, who resides in the civil service, had the right to be called a nobleman and receive the appropriate rank. Thus, the opinion that a State Counselor is indeed a hereditary nobleman has no basis. This rank theoretically could be earned by any free person who is in the civil service. Later, this decree was abolished, and in the ranks of the fifth grade there were persons who deserved the favor of the emperor.

List of civil officials

According to the original version of the Table, the first (highest) rank in civilian ranks was occupied by the Chancellor. He was followed by a real secret state councilor, and after him - a secret adviser. The top three ranks occupied the highest public positions in Russia. These people have adopted the internal policy of the state. A state councilor and a real state councilor are civil servants of the fourth and fifth classes, respectively.

The rank of State Councilor in the Russian Empire was held by persons holding the posts of vice-governors, vice-directors of various departments, the chairman of the treasury chamber and others. In order to receive this rank, it was necessary to serve at least five years in the previous rank.

What is a valid state councilor?

By a special decree of December 9, 1856, Tsar Alexander II tightened the rules for obtaining a hereditary noble rank in the civil department. From this moment the hereditary nobility had the right to receive officials no lower than the 4th grade. A real state counselor - this is the state rank of the fourth grade. Unlike just a state councilor, the real one was to serve in the previous rank for ten years to get it. A typical post that was occupied by a valid state councilor is the governor, the director of the department, the mayor.

Statutory treatment

According to the Table, each class was assigned to apply in a certain way. The state councilor was called "Your Highness". For the third and fourth ranks a different form of treatment was envisaged. A real state councilor is a person who should be called "Your Excellency".

Let's sum up. Thus, the question of who such a real state councilor is, follows the answer that this is a state official of the fourth class in pre-revolutionary Russia, who has the right to a hereditary noble title. As of 1913 on the territory of the Russian state there were 3113 officials of 4 ranks. In 1917, all special ranks and ranks were abolished by a special decree of the Soviet government.