The Constitutional Democratic Party was a Russian political party from the times of the Russian Revolution, of liberal orientation. It was founded by Pavel Miliukov in 1905. Prince Georgy Lvov and Vladimir Dmitrievich Nabokov were also prominent members.

The members of the party were called Kadets (Cadets), from the abbreviation K-D of the party name (Конституционная Демократическая партия in Russian). This name should not be confused with cadets, military students, which existed at these times in Imperial Russia as well.

Kadets believed in bringing change through elections. They were in favor of having a new government - a Parliamentary Democracy. This type of government would have the tsar only as a figurehead, a parliament, and a constitution. Kadets supported private ownership of land, private farming, and growth of industry.

Kadets first supported war against the Central Powers, but opinions begin to change during 1915. After the February Revolution, the Kadets gained five seats in the Provisional Government. The Government, however, was not willing to sue for peace and Prime Minister Georgy Lvov was forced to resign in July 1917 after discontent continued to rise.

After the October Revolution Kadets strongly opposed Bolsheviks and were banned in 1918. Many of them joined or became supporters of the White Army.

See also

• Liberalism
• Contributions to liberal theory
• Liberalism worldwide
• List of liberal parties
• Liberal democracy
• Liberalism in Russia