Sakhalin Oblast Duma internally elects a legislative representative to the Federation Council, which is the Upper House of Russia's legislative branch. The executive branch of Sakhalin works closely with the oblast's Duma. The executive branch is also known as the government of Sakhalin and is headed by the Governor, who is the highest ranking person in the oblast. The Governor is not to be confused with the Chairman of the Duma, who is head of the Duma only. Sakhalin Oblast Duma The Sakhalin Oblast Duma is the highest permanent and only legislative body of the Sakhalin Oblast. Together with the executive and judicial
State Duma (Russian Empire) the Progressive Bloc was formed, fearing Rasputin's influence over Tsarina Alexandra would increase. The Duma gathered on 9 February 1916 after the 76-year-old Ivan Goremykin had been replaced by Boris Stürmer as prime minister and on the condition not to mention Rasputin. The deputies were disappointed when Stürmer held his speech. Because of the war, he said, it wasn't the time for constitutional reforms. For the first time in his life, the Tsar made a visit to the Taurida Palace, which made it practically impossible to hiss at the new prime minister. On 1 November 1916 (Old Style) the Duma