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Petrograd Soviet
The Soviet of Workers' and Soldiers' Deputies in Petrograd served as the voice of the smaller councils of deputies elected by commoners, specifically soldiers and workers. The Petrograd Soviet, therefore, could claim a much better understanding of the people's will, having been comprised of many voices which the people chose to represent them. The Soviet was established after the February Revolution, comprised of numerous socialist revolutionaries. However, its hasty rise to power meant the Petrograd Soviet did not have any legitimate claim to power, like its counterpart, the Provisional Government.

The workers and soldiers of Russia saw hope in the Petrograd soviets, and elected deputies to it en masse, causing it to gain membership at an alarming rate(1200 seats had been filled in a week). The Petrograd Soviet was seen as a benefactor that would bring them land, bread, and peace.

The Executive Committee was made up of Nikolai Ckheidze, Matvei Skobelev, and Aleksandr Kerensky. These men were socialists, but feared radicalism. To keep from spreading radical mentality and provoking a 'counter-revolutionary movement,' they chose to support the Provisional Government where necessary. This led to the uneasy balance of power called "Dual Power."