Formation of Zemstvo Electorate in Ufa Governorate in 1874-1912

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the formation of the zemstvo electorate in Ufa Governorate (1874-1897). The research urgency is caused by the connection of this problem with questions about the essence of the local administrative apparatus under autocracy, the compatibility of traditional and modern institutions, the adaptation of different social groups to freedom of expression, dialogue between the authorities and society. The novelty of the study is that the study of Zemstvo voters was based on the analysis of the published, but generally little known sources - the lists of Zemstvo voters. The composition of the congresses of the voters, the major categories of owners in different chronological periods are discussed. Special attention is paid to the number and composition of election congresses of small landowners. It is shown that in the post-reform period large peasant land ownership in a relatively short time was a serious competitor to the electors from the nobility. The administration and Zemstvo controlled and regulated the number of participants in the elections to ensure the composition of Zemstvo institutions specified by the government. However, despite all constraints, each of the caste groups was represented in district Council meetings. By comparative analysis with the data of the neighbouring governorates similar and distinctive features of the provincial electorate in the provinces of the Volga-Ural region are identified.