3rd State Duma 3rd State Duma The State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, the 3rd convocation (Russian: Государственная Дума Федерального Собрания Российской Федерации III созыва) was the third session of the legislative branch of the State Duma, Lower House of the Russian Parliament. The 3rd convocation met at the State Duma building in Moscow from December 19, 1999 to December 7, 2003. Until the election of the Chairman of the State Duma of the meeting, the position was filled by the oldest deputy – 79 year-old of Yegor Ligachyov – according to traditions. On January 18, 2000, the parliament
Duma civil liberties, provide for broad participation in the State Duma, and endow the Duma with legislative and oversight powers. However, Nicholas II was determined to retain his autocratic power. Just before the creation of the Duma in May 1906, the Tsar issued the Fundamental Laws. It stated in part that the tsar's ministers could not be appointed by, and were not responsible to, the Duma, thus denying responsible government at the executive level. Furthermore, the tsar had the power to dismiss the Duma and announce new elections whenever he wished. At this first meeting of the Duma members proposed that