How did Venetian councils limit the power of the doge?

In the Republic of Venice, the power of the doge was systematically curtailed by the aristocracy through the development of constitutional bodies that assumed many governmental functions. While the doge remained a symbol of sovereignty, his authority was restricted in several key ways:1

• Constitutional Oaths: Upon taking office, the doge was required to swear an oath that strictly limited his freedom of action.1
• Council Oversight: The doge was increasingly bound by the decisions of various councils, including the Great Council, the Senate, and the Council of Ten. By the 15th century, the doge could only promote initiatives by submitting them to the Great Council and the Senate for approval.2
• Judicial and Administrative Checks: The Council of Ten, which held exceptional powers over state security, secret police, and judicial matters, could even depose a doge, as seen in the 1457 removal of Francesco Foscari.2
• Institutional Evolution: Over time, the Venetian state structure evolved to ensure that the doge functioned as a prince subject to the law rather than an absolute ruler.1