Activities of non-state societies and unions as institutions of the political system of the Russian empire in the late XIX - early XX centuries in the context of the rule-of-law state

The study of the activities of non-state societies and unions as institutions of the political system of the Russian Empire in the late 19th - early 20th centuries is important in modern conditions, as it allows to use the accumulated experience in this sphere. The article devotes particular attention to the analysis of the Provisional Rules on Societies and Unions, adopted on 4 March 1906, and the resolutions of the Provisional Government, and considers the draft Societies and Unions Act submitted by the deputies of the Cadet and Social Democratic factions for consideration by the State Duma of the first, second and fourth convocations. The purpose is to study the political system of the society in order to study the factors negatively influencing its state, on the example of the activity of non-state societies and unions as institutions of the political system of the Russian Empire in the late 19th - early 20th centuries. The authors use logical, historical-comparative, historical-legal, systemic methods. Results: several important patterns of the development of the national political system are identified in the late 19th - early 20th centuries. It is noted that the legal institution of public associations was enshrined in the legislation of the Russian Empire on the basis of democratic principles and was further developed under the influence of historical events of the studied period.