Final answer:
The Romanov tsars led Russia through an absolute monarchy until the early 20th century when partial concessions towards constitutionalism were made, ultimately ending with the Romanov reign and the establishment of a communist state.
Step-by-step explanation:
The overall leadership of the Romanov tsars is best described as Absolute. Under absolute monarchy, the ruler has complete authority over the government and is not constrained by any legal or legislative bodies.
Examples of this type of rule include the divine right of kings, where rulers were considered chosen by gods and imbued with wisdom and authority. However, in the early 20th century, particularly after the Revolution of 1905, Tsar Nicholas II was forced to establish the Duma and promised to shift towards a constitutional monarchy.
Yet, this did not represent a true relinquishment of power as the tsar still retained significant control. Eventually, the Romanov dynasty came to an end with the rise of the Bolsheviks and the establishment of a Communist state after the abdication of Nicholas II in 1917.