What was a defining characteristic of the Third Duma in Russia?

The defining characteristic of the Third Duma in Russia was that its elections were rigged to favor conservative candidates. This Duma was convened in 1907 after significant political unrest and discontent with the Tsarist regime. The government manipulated the electoral process to ensure that the composition of the Duma reflected the interests of the ruling elite and conservative factions, particularly in response to the more progressive and reformist elements of society that had been gaining influence in earlier Dumas. The changes made to the electoral laws biased the voting system, resulting in a Duma that was predominantly conservative, which stifled potential democratic reforms and ensured the continuation of autocratic rule under Tsar Nicholas II.

The other options do not accurately describe the Third Duma: it was not freely elected (thus not fitting the first choice), it lasted for several years rather than just a few months (as suggested in the third choice), and while it did include members with varied political ideologies, it was not entirely socialist-led (contrary to the fourth choice). The manipulation of the Duma's electoral system illustrates the broader struggle between autocratic authority and burgeoning democratic movements in early 20th-century Russia.