Final answer:
The Duma was established by Tsar Nicholas II, not by Catherine the Great, as a response to the Revolution of 1905, aiming to create a legislative body in Russia. However, the Tsar maintained his autocratic power and limited the Duma's influence, implementing political censorship to control opposition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Catherine the Great did not invent anything for Russia; however, it was Tsar Nicholas II who, under pressure due to the Revolution of 1905, was forced to establish a foundational element of Russian governance known as the Duma. The Duma was intended as a national legislature, marking a significant departure from autocratic rule towards a more representative assembly. Nonetheless, the creation of the Duma did not lead to true democratization, as the Tsar retained considerable power and soon dissolved the initial Duma for criticizing the government. Eventually, in a bid to maintain control, the Tsar began implementing political censorship alongside other repressive measures to sustain his rule and undermine the Duma's influence.