The contribution of the ministers of finance of the Russian empire of the second half of the XIXth century in the development of scientific views on finance

Abstract

Problem settings. Discussions on the prospects for the development of effective mechanisms for legal regulation of the banking and tax system, and the improvement of customs and financial legislation in Ukraine are ongoing in the academic circles. In a market economy and intensification of international economic relations, the unstable economic situation in our country requires more efficient financial system. Analysis of recent researches and publications. Such scientists as Kiselev I. Ya., Sudeikin V. T., Khadonov Ye. Ye., Shcheglov V. G., Yanzhul I. I. and others have been devoted their works to research the issues of the development of the financial system and the history of scientific views on finances. Article’s main body. The main source for studying the views of finance ministers can be called the notes they compiled relating to the economic and financial condition of the state. One of the most important documentary materials is the O. M. Knyazhevych “On the Current State of Public Finances”, M. Kh. Reuters “On real financial difficulties and about the steps to be taken to improve the financial and economic situation of the state,” M.Kh. Bunge “On the Financial Position of Russia”, I. O. Vyshnegradskogo “On the tasks of financial institutions in the elimination of the deficit in the state budget” and a number of notes that were submitted to the emperor by S. Yu. Witte. The article provides a thorough analysis of the history of scientific perspectives on the finances and financial system in order to find more impactful and effective ways of constructing modern mechanisms of legal regulation of the banking and tax systems, and improving customs and financial legislation in Ukraine. In particular, the article examines the compiled by the ministers of finance of the Russian Empire of the second half of the xIxth note relating to the economic and financial conclusions of the state and is the main source of studying the views on the subject, which contained financial and legal concepts in their most concentrated form. Conclusions and prospects for the development. In general, it should be noted that the most significant of the Russian finance ministers during the period had their own, quite clearly articulated ideas about the ways of development of the financial system of the Russian empire of the second half of the xIx and offered their own concepts for improving the financial activity of the state, which determined the need for further changes in the current legislation. These concepts can be characterized as financial and legal, as it is any implementation of these concepts led to the modernization of the system of legal regulation of financial activities. But not everything from the intended one managed to successfully implement. With the change of the Minister of Finance, the adopted course also undergone changes, which has not always had a favorable effect on further practice of improving financial legislation in the state.