Creation of State machinery began right after association of the basic lands of Northeast Russia around Moscow in middle 50's of XV century. The new system was based on other principles than those that were applied in the time of predecessors of Vasily the Dark. The first change was made in the territorial-and-administrative structure of the state. Instead of destroyed independent principalities the new ones were formed, though not on the clannish basis (descendants of Kalita) but on the family one - all of them belonged to the children of Vasily II.
Still, the basic territory of the Moscow Princedom remained under the Grand Duke's control. The main feature of this period was transition of independent principalities to the system of uyezds. Initially they appeared within Moscow lands, but by the middle of the century their number was considerably increased due to newly joined territories.
The power in uyezds concentrated in hands of deputies who, as a rule, were boyards of the Grand Duke. As new lands were joined to Moscow, the power of deputies spread over apanage territories (Galich, Uglich, Mozhaisk etc.).
Rights and privileges of deputies were long before regulated by special letters of privilege, which may be traced back in history to Russkaya Pravda. But no such documents came to us from the time of Vasily II's reign.
Creation of local administration outstripped changes in the government. The head of the Moscow Great Princedom was Vasily II. He was distinguished neither for resoluteness, nor for will, he did not possess military leader's talents either. Being blinded in 1446 Vasily II hardly might actively participate even in major actions. The real power in the time of his reign belonged first to his guardians, then to his boyards-advisers when he came of age.
The role of boyards increased considerably. The boyards managed The Grand Duke's Court as a military-and-administrative corporation. All of them descended from noble, devoted to the Grand Duke old Moscow boyard families. Usually representatives of particular noble family were appointed for particular court posts for the whole life.
In the middle of 40's of XV century The Grand Duke's Court was divided into the Palace, that remained a mere economic-and-administrative organization providing needs of the Grand Duke and his family, and The Court - the military-and-administrative corporation that became the core of the Moscow Princedom armed forces.
The State missions were fulfilled by boyards and noblemen (boyards' children) alongside with descendants of formerly independent Russian princes (of Suzdal, Rostov, Yaroslavl and other cities).
Certain changes were realized in judicial system. The essence of them was in reduction of judicial privileges of land owners and transmission of important cases to deputies. A new monetary reform was carried out in the middle of the century. The Grand Duke's Mint began emission of a new national coin. Coins minted during the feudal war by Galitsia princes were accepted as a model. Though new coins weighed a little more.
All these measures promoted further strengthening of power of the Grand Duke of Moscow.
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History 