The autocracy and the state apparatus of the “serf-bureaucratic state” are still poorly studied. The book, based on a large factual material, including archival, shows the features of Russian absolutism of the XIX century. The author reveals its social base, characterizes the highest government bodies, the highest administration, the highest court, the church organization. Several sections are devoted to the attempts of tsarism to get out of the crisis of the feudal system through partial reforms. The study of pre-revolutionary political institutions is of great scientific importance, helping to better understand the peculiarities of the development of the economy, social relations and culture of our Motherland.