feudal monarchy - a stage which in its economic and political development of the state are in the period of early feudalism.In Russia, this time fell on the IX-XI centuries.
the head of state was Grand Duke of Kiev (the monarch).The administration of the country helped him Boyar Duma - a special council, which included representatives of the younger princes and tribal nobility (boyars, vigilantes).Feudal monarchy - a time when princely power had not been personal power, unlimited and hereditary.Feudal relations were not yet formed completely, there was no clear system and hierarchy of service, there was uncertainty in land relations are not yet entrenched system of feudal exploitation of the peasants.
political system of Kievan Rus is largely determined by the following features.Certain lands were in the hands of relatives of the prince of Kiev - feudal princes or posadniks.An important role in the leadership and played a princely retinue.Her older structure is practically identical with the Boyar Duma.Younger combatants in time of peace performed the duties of small rulers, and during the war, took part in the fighting.Prince shared with them the spoils of war and often collect tribute.
senior vigilantes in the early stages had the right to collect tribute from certain areas, so over time, turned into land owners (patrimonial).
entire population of the Old Russian state was subject to mandatory tribute, which was the economic foundation by which existed feudal monarchy.Collect tribute called Poljud.Usually he was accompanied by the performance of the judicial functions of the prince.Size duties in favor of the state while not fixed, but simply governed by custom.But attempts to increase the size of the tribute accompanied by open resistance of the people.In the year 945 because of this, he was killed Kiev Prince Igor.His widow Olga subsequently set a fixed size of tribute and dues.The unit of taxation was determined agricultural farm.
Almost all collected tribute became the subject of exports.It is on the water sent to Constantinople, where exchanged for gold and luxury goods.
feudal monarchy in Russia was based on its own system of law.The earliest written legal monument of this period - "Russian Truth".The oldest part of it is called "Truth Yaroslav" or "ancient truth".Criminal offenses under this code of laws punished with a fine in favor of the prince and the victims.For the most serious crimes (robbery, arson, horse stealing) could lose their entire property to be expelled from the community or the loss of freedom.
addition to civil law, feudal monarchy relied on the church.It regulated the Church share in the prince's income and the crimes that were subject to ecclesiastical trial (witchcraft, blasphemy, a crime family, as well as the trial of the people who belong to the church).This institution has played an important role in the life of Russia.The church contributed to the unification of land in the central power and the strengthening of statehood and the development of culture.
