Electoral Behavior of Russian Nobility (1770-1820s)

Abstract

The article deals with the processes of traditions emergence and formation of the Russian nobility electoral behavior in the last quarter of the 18th - the first third of the 19th century. Considering the materials of Moscow and Tver provinces the author concludes that all strata of the nobility actively participated in elections. However, voters' absenteeism was a mass phenomenon. Gradually regular elections facilitated strengthening of the nobility local links as well as consolidation of the nobility as landlord class.