The zemski sobor now elected as czar Michael Romanov, grand-nephew of Ivan IV. Michael succeeded with no limitations placed upon his power by the zemski sobor or by any other body; he was an elected autocrat. For the first ten years of his reign, the zemski sobor stayed in continual session. It assisted the uncertain new dynasty to get underway by endorsing the policies of the czar and his advisers, thus lending them the semblance of popular support.
But after 1623 the zemski sobor was summoned only to help declare war or make peace, to approve new taxation, and to sanction important new legislation. It endorsed the accession of Michael’s son Alexis (r. 16451676), and in 1649 confirmed the issuance of a new law code. After 1653 Alexis did not summon it again, nor did his son and successor, Feauedor III (r. 1676– 1682). Autocratic czardom was taken for granted.
