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Reforms of public administration of Emperor Peter 1
Historians call Peter's reforms of central government the large-scale transformations of the state apparatus that took place during the reign of Peter the Great. The main innovations of the ruler are the creation of the Governing Senate, as well as the complete replacement of the system of orders by the Collegiums, and the formation of the royal Secret Office of the Holy Synod.
During Peter's accession to the throne, the key positions of government were occupied by the nobles, who received their rank by right of family name and origin. Peter, who came to power, understood that the established system of government was one of the weak links. That it is precisely this that is slowing down the country’s development.
The tsar's travels around Europe from 1697 to 1698 as part of the Grand Embassy allowed him to become familiar with the system of administrative bodies in European states. Based on them, he decides to carry out reforms in Russia.
With the beginning of Peter's rule, the Boyar Duma began to lose its power and subsequently turned into an ordinary bureaucratic department. From 1701, all its work was delegated to a new body called the "Concilia of Ministers", which was a council of heads of the most important government bodies. At the same time, it included many of the same boyars.
Two years before this, the Near Office is created, controlling the financial transactions of each order and making administrative decisions. All royal advisers were required to sign the most important documents and register these events in a special book of personal decrees.
Establishment of the Senate
On March 2, 1711, Peter the Great formed the so-called Governing Senate, which is the highest body of administrative, judicial and legislative power. The tsar entrusted all his responsibilities to this body during his absence, because frequent trips due to the Northern War could not cause a halt in the development of the state. At the same time, this administrative body was completely subordinate to the royal will and had a collegial structure, the members of which were personally selected by Peter. On February 22, 1711, a new additional post of fiscal was created, which was supposed to exercise additional supervision over officials during the tsar’s absence.
The formation and development of the collegiums occurs in the period from 1718 to 1726. In them the tsar saw an organ capable of replacing the outdated system of slow orders, which, for the most part, only duplicated each other’s functions.
When they appeared, the Collegiums completely absorbed orders, and in the period from 1718 to 1720, the presidents of the formed Collegiums were even senators and personally sat in the Senate. It should be noted that subsequently only the main Collegiums remained in the Senate:
- Foreign Affairs;
- Admiralty;
- Military.
The formation of the above-described system of collegiums completes the process of bureaucratization and centralization of the Russian state apparatus. The delimitation of departmental functions, as well as the general norms of activity regulated by the General Regulations, is the main difference between the updated Petrine apparatus and the previous management system.
General Regulations
By a royal decree of May 9, 1718, the presidents of the three boards were instructed to begin developing a document called the General Regulations, which would be a system of office management and based on the Swedish charter. This system later became known as the “college” system. In fact, the regulations approved a collegial way of discussing and resolving cases, as well as organizing office work and regulating relations with self-government bodies and the Senate.
On March 10, 1720, this document was approved and signed by the ruler of Russia, Peter the Great. The Charter included an introduction, as well as fifty-six chapters with general principles of operation of the apparatus of each government agency and various appendices for the interpretation of new foreign words that were in the text of the General Regulations.
Holy Synod
Before the end of the Northern War, Peter the Great begins to plan his church reforms. He orders Bishop Feofan Prokopovich to begin developing the Spiritual Regulations and on February 5, 1721, the tsar approves and signs the establishment of the Theological College, which will later become known as the “Holy Governing Synod.”
Each member of this body was obliged to personally swear allegiance to the king. On May 11, 1722, the post of Chief Prosecutor appeared, supervising the activities of the Synod and reporting all news to the ruler.
By creating the Synod, the sovereign introduced the church into the mechanism of the state, essentially likening it to one of the many existing administrative institutions at that time, endowed with certain functions and responsibilities.
Scheme of government under Peter I
Table: reforms of Peter I in the field of public administration
| Date of reform | Contents of the reform |
| 1704 | The Boyar Duma was abolished |
| 1711 | The Senate was established (legislative, control and financial functions) |
| 1700-1720 | Abolition of the Patriarchate and creation of the Holy Synod |
| 1708-1710 | Local government reform. Creation of provinces |
| 1714-1722 | Creation of the prosecutor's office, introduction of the position of fiscal officers |
| 1718-1721 | Replacement of orders by collegiums |
| 1722 | Change in the system of succession to the throne (now the monarch himself appointed his successor) |
| 1721 | Proclamation of Russia as an empire |
Scheme: local government after the management reforms of Peter I
Video lecture: Reforms of Peter I in the field of management
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Task 1 of 4 1 .In what year was the government senate formed by Peter 1? Right Wrong |
As autocratic power strengthened, the Boyar Duma lost its significance. Peter I stopped granting Duma ranks, and the Duma began to “die out.” During the reign of Peter I, Zemsky Sobors were forgotten.
Establishment of the Senate
Boards and orders
In 1717, Peter I determined the name of the central government bodies and their tasks. The decree issued by the tsar read: “... Collegiums have been established, that is, a meeting of many people instead of orders.” Collegiums are bodies of the central executive power. Their number was much smaller than the orders.
However, the apparatus of orders was not completely destroyed. Some of them became offices, which were managed by appointed superiors. Local government institutions were closely connected with the collegiums.
Under Peter I, there was the Preobrazhensky Order - it was a body of political investigation. He obeyed only the king. It was headed by F. Yu. Romodanovsky. This order dealt with crimes against the king, the church and the state.
Holy Synod
The formation of a complex system of government institutions with a whole army of bureaucratic officials took place in Europe during the formation of modern states - absolute, i.e., not accountable to anyone, monarchies.
France under Louis XIV (1643-1715) and Russia from the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich to Peter I (1645-1721) became an example of absolutism. It is no coincidence that Alexei Mikhailovich was declared the “Sun King” a couple of years earlier than Louis XIV! Both states were characterized by the omnipotence of the ruler, who relied on a powerful bureaucratic apparatus, an army and an all-powerful police force.
Military reform was a continuation of the changes started by Alexei Mikhailovich. But, while under Alexei Mikhailovich such changes were adjusted to Russian conditions, Petrine reforms drove the Russian army into Western forms, without taking into account their acceptability for the Russians. Rogues from all over the world flocked to serve in the Russian army.
Civil reform was to create a completely new system of governing the country. Instead of a Duma, a “Senate” was established; instead of orders - “collegiums”; the country was divided into 8 “provinces”. Everything became similar to the Western system.
Reform on the status of estates radically changed the entire previous device. Since Peter fought a lot, military service or work in weapons production began to play a dominant role. A soldier who distinguished himself in war became an officer. Peter also sent Russians to study abroad.
Peasant reform led to the complete enslavement of Russian peasants. Peter did this for the convenience of governing the country: instead of dealing with millions of citizens, he had to deal with a limited number of landowners who received full power over the peasants. With the weakening influence of the church, the treatment of the peasants worsened and frequent peasant uprisings soon began.
Financial reform was needed to increase funds for military needs and in order to force the Russian people to quickly accept Western customs. Under Peter, many taxes were introduced: on baths (in the west they didn’t wash at all at that time!), beards (in the west they shaved), mills, cellars, bees, schismatics, cab drivers, etc. Tax collection was carried out strictly and the treasury under Peter was constantly replenished .
Beard duty sign
The purpose of education began to give students as much scientific and military knowledge as possible. that is, education is moving away from traditional Russian spirituality and a passion for materialistic humanism begins. All higher schools were organized in a Western way, where there was no longer any talk about God. Under Peter, a new, simplified civil font was also introduced for printing all books except church books. This further accelerates the fashionable “separation of church and state” in the West.
The letters of the new civil font were chosen by Peter I, the crossed out letters were not accepted.
As a kind of education, Peter forced people to organize evening meetings with dances (“assemblies”), where guests, breaking church rules, had to come with their wives and daughters. This was also done to make Russian society more like Western society.
In addition to these major reforms, Peter made many other smaller changes.
Under Peter, all Russian life changed and began to resemble European life in appearance. Peter did not even like the name “Moscow State” and Russia began to be called an “empire”, and Peter began to call himself “emperor”. This change in name, like many of Peter's innovations, was not well thought out: the term empire implies the violent seizure of people and lands under the rule of the emperor - that is, exactly what Russia never did.
All these changes, especially the abolition of the patriarch, the weakening of the church, demands to abandon their native way of life and the enslavement of the peasants were alien to the Russian people.
Lesson objectives:
Educational:
- characterize the state reforms of Peter I,
- determine the purpose and results of public administration reform.
Educational:
- develop the ability to draw conclusions,
- summarize historical material,
- work with a map and historical source.
Educational:
- development of a sense of patriotism and tolerance.
Tasks:
- master the concepts: absolutism, Synod, Senate, collegium.
Equipment:
- multimedia projector,
- screen,
- textbook Danilov “History of Russia for 7th grade students”,
- tests.
During the classes
I Class organization.
Today in the lesson we will continue our study of the Age of Peter I. We have already become acquainted with his transformations in the army. But even during the Northern War, Peter did not stop working to reform the state. There will be a conversation about her.
II Work on the topic.
1. Updating knowledge.
Remember what the system of government was like under Alexei Mikhailovich and in the first years of the reign of Peter I? (state system diagram) on the board
What is the disadvantage of this system?
(Could hundreds of orders, between which there was no clear division of powers, become a significant help to Peter in his reforms?)
Peter needed a management apparatus that could quickly and efficiently carry out his will, especially in the conditions of the Northern War.
2. Setting goals and objectives for the lesson.
Today in class we will get acquainted with the transformations of Peter I in the field of public administration (topic recording) slide 1
While studying the material, we must answer the question
Was the new system more efficient? slide 2
3.Working with documents and diagrams.
A. Emperor.
So, let's return to the diagram. Name a change in this scheme that you already know (emperor since 1721) slide 3
What events led to this change?
B. Senate.
Gradually, the Boyar Duma lost its importance
Why did the Boyar Duma lose its importance? Why did Peter stop taking her into account?
Peter decided to get rid of it and introduced a new governing body.
Read an excerpt from the work of historian S.M. Solovyov and answer the questions.
1) For what purpose was the Senate established?
2) How were matters resolved in the Senate?
3) What role did the Senate play in the system of government?
Control over the activities of the Senate was exercised by the Prosecutor General. The first prosecutor general was P.I. Yaguzhinsky. Slide 5
Make changes to our diagram. Slide 6
B. Collegium
Peter was not satisfied with the system of orders either. Let's trace his actions.
Read an excerpt from the complete collection of laws of the Russian Empire, answer the questions.
- Who is the author of this decree?
- What is the date of establishment of colleges in Russia?
- What facts are given in the document? What conclusions can be drawn from them?
- Who were on the boards?
- Explain what is included in the concept of “General Regulations”?
Each board was assigned certain responsibilities.
Appendix 3 Slide 8In 1721, the Patrimonial Collegium was established - it was in charge of the lands of the nobility.
The order of secret affairs was renamed first to the Preobrazhensky order, and then to the Secret Chancellery, which was engaged in political investigation.
In 1720, the Chief Magistrate was introduced, to whom local magistrates were subordinate. They ruled the city population.
Make changes to the diagram. Slide 9
D. Church reform.
In 1721 Another special board was created. Slide 10
You will learn about it by reading the paragraph of the textbook “Church Reform” p. 118.
Answer the questions.
1) What was the name of this board?
2) Who was part of it?
3) What is the role of the emperor in this board?
4) Who led the Synod?
5) What did Peter I achieve by carrying out this reform?
Make changes to the diagram. Slide 11
D. Regional reform.
In the conditions of the Northern War, unfortunately, the local government system was the first to fail. The counties of that time covered vast areas equal to several modern regions. Peter I decides on the formation of provinces. Read about this in the textbook, page 117.
Complete the local government chart. Slide 12
In essence, Peter carried out the decentralization of management. The new leaders of the provinces, they became the tsar's closest associates, concentrated in their hands enormous power over some of the old districts.
E. Table of ranks.
Remember the principle by which officials were appointed to serve in pre-Petrine times.
What is the disadvantage of this system?
Carrying out reforms required many talented people. Peter tried to attract such people to public service. To strengthen their position in society and the state, they were adopted in 1714. Decree on unified inheritance and 1722 Table of ranks.
Let's study these documents and find out what opportunities were open to the serviceman.
On page 121, read an excerpt from the decree on Unity of Inheritance.
For what purpose was this decree issued?
What would be the consequences of keeping the family estates in the hands of one heir?
What support did the other children receive?
In whose interests was the decree adopted? Who could be unhappy?
Review the Table of Ranks.
Appendix 5 Slide 14-15
What is this document about?
Imagine yourself as a service person. You are a military man, a private in the Preobrazhensky Regiment. You are smart, diligent in service, and show ingenuity and initiative. The commander noticed you. What career advancement opportunities are available to you?
Now the old and new aristocracy were equal in their official positions. According to the new law, anyone who received the rank of 8th class became a hereditary nobleman. Ranks from 9 to 14 were given personal nobility without the right of inheritance. For their service, officials received land and peasants, as well as salary.
The historical significance of the Table of Ranks was to systematize the administrative service. All layers of society, including the highest, were placed in the service of the state. The report card established the separation of military service from civilian service.
G.Analysis
In general, these are all the main changes in the public administration system.
Prove that this system of public administration will work more efficiently than the previous one. Slide 16
Determine the form of government.
Autocracy - page 55 of the textbook.
Absolutism is a government system in which the power of the monarch is not limited by any institutions.
What is the significance of Peter's transformations of public administration?
IV Consolidation of what has been learned.
Read the text and fill in the missing words.
1. Instead of the Boyar Duma, ............. was formed, which became the highest government institution. He had not only legislative but also administrative powers.
2. Instead of several cumbersome orders, ................. were created, the work of which was more efficient.
3. Instead of the patriarch, he was in charge of the affairs of the Russian Orthodox Church.....................
4. The country was divided into 8 ................., which, in turn, were divided into provinces.
5. With the adoption in 1722..................., all levels of society, including the highest, were put into service to the state. It consolidated the separation of military service from civilian service.
Peer review. Answers on slide 17
1. governing Senate
2. Collegiums
3. emperor (king)
4. Table of ranks.
V Reflection
What was difficult?
What's easy?
General assessment of the class's work in the lesson.
Peter I as a public administration reformer
Peter I was a representative of the Romanov dynasty. He was proclaimed the last Tsar of All Rus' in 1682 at the age of ten, and seven years later he assumed independent control of the Russian state. Peter I became the first Emperor of All Russia, who was proclaimed in 1721. Until 1696, Peter I's co-ruler was his brother Ivan, but on a formal basis. Peter I was at the head of the Russian state for 42 years.
Peter I was characterized by a passion for the foreign lifestyle and a high interest in science. With the intention of gaining foreign experience in managing the state, industry, navy and other areas, Peter I made a long trip to the countries of Western Europe, which resulted in large-scale reforms of the Russian system of public administration and social structure. Among the most important achievements of Peter I was the solution to the problem of expanding Russian territory, which allowed him to proclaim himself emperor.
Contemporaries describe Peter I as a quick-witted, dexterous, cheerful, straightforward person, capable of cruelty.
The merits of Peter I include reform of public administration, reforms in the army, creation of a navy, reform of church administration, implementation of financial reform, measures for the development of industry and trade.
Peter I paid considerable attention to the fight against an outdated way of life and tried to introduce the nobility to education and secular culture. Peter I understood the importance of education, so during his reign much was done to develop science and education.
Public administration reforms implemented by Peter I
Peter I carried out a radical restructuring of the entire system of public administration in the country. One of the most significant changes was the replacement of the Boyar Duma of 1699 by the Near Chancellery, consisting of eight trusted representatives of the sovereign, called by Peter the Great the “consultation of ministers.” This body was the predecessor of the Senate of 1711, which concentrated administrative, sometimes legislative and judicial powers. Senators discussed state affairs and made collegial decisions.
Also in 1711, the introduction of fiscal positions was carried out in the center and locally, whose powers included monitoring the activities of the state administration, identifying facts of non-compliance, violation of decrees, bribery and embezzlement, reporting information about identified cases to the sovereign and the Senate. Representatives of these bodies were provided with various incentives, exemption from taxes, jurisdiction over local authorities and liability for false denunciations.
The Senate was entrusted with the leadership of all state institutions, but the activities of the Senate itself were also controlled. Since 1715, control of the Senate has been entrusted to the Auditor General, subsequently to the Senate Chief Secretary, and since 1722 to the Attorney General and Chief Prosecutor. In addition, the positions of prosecutors exercising control were available in other government institutions. The controlling person was entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring not only the decision-making process, but also their execution. The general in charge of the Senate could suspend illegal Senate resolutions and appeal them. Persons controlling the Senate were directly subordinate to the sovereign.
In 1720, the General Regulations of the Colleges were published, according to which the presence of each college included such positions as president, vice-president, four units of advisers and four units of assessors. Meeting presence was carried out daily. The collegiums were subordinate to the Senate. Local institutions were subordinate to the collegiums themselves. Collegiums replaced dozens of old orders. Their number, compared to the orders, was reduced to 11. A strict division of functions was established in relation to the boards.
The boards included the following:
- a foreign collegium in charge of foreign affairs;
- military and admiralty boards, which manage the army and navy, respectively;
- the Justice Collegium, which manages court cases;
- the State Board, which exercises control over government spending;
- the Chamber Collegium, which controls state revenues;
- an audit board that controls the collection and expenditure of government funds;
- the commercial board, which controls the trade sphere;
- Berg Manufactory Collegium, which manages the light and metallurgical industries, and so on.
Note 1
The collegiums combined many previously existing orders, for example, the justice collegium carried out the functions of seven orders.
Along with their colleagues, there were several institutions that essentially performed a similar role. An example of such an institution was the Synod, which was in charge of the management of church estates and affairs. A special form of the collegium was the Chief Magistrate, who governed the cities; the Preobrazhensky Prikaz, as before, was entrusted with the functions of political investigation.
Another significant direction of state reorganization under Peter I was the change in the territorial division of the state. In 1708, Peter I divided it into eight provinces: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kiev, Smolensk, Kazan, Azov, Arkhangelsk and Siberian, then Voronezh. At the head of each province was a governor, who combined administrative, police, judicial and financial powers. In 1719, Peter I increased the number of provinces to 11 and divided the country into smaller territorial units - 50 provinces, which, in turn, were divided into districts.
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