POLITICAL SYSTEM OF RUSSIA

Issue 1

Political System of Russia

Russian Government
Background
The Russian government has seen many rocky points throughout its history. The Russian Empire, which was run by the Russian Czar, was defeated in World War I. After the defeat of the Empire, communism spread across the land to create the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics). Joseph Stalin led the Soviet Union in tyranny from 19241953. The collapse of the USSR in 1991 led to the most current form of government of the current Russian Federation. The first elected president was Boris Yeltsin in 1991. The New Constitution was signed in 1993.

Legislative Branch Called the Federal Assembly of Russia, the legislative branch is a bicameral unit: the Federation Council and State Duma. The upper house, the Federation Council, is made up of 2 members from each of the 83 federal subjects of Russia. The State Duma is a proportional representation of the federal subjects. There are a total of 450 seats in the State Duma. The Federation Council is responsible for determining internal borders, confirming justices of the courts, and examines bills passed by the lower house. The State Duma is responsible for considering all bills, including those proposed by the upper house. Judicial Branch The judicial branch is made up of constitutional courts, a supreme court, and a superior court of arbitration. The republics of Russia have their own court system which is specified by their constitution.

Russian Balance of Powers

Executive Branch The current political system in Russia is a federal presidential republic, meaning that the executive power is split between the President and the Prime Minister. The President of Russia is Vladimir Putin, featured in the photo to the right. The Prime Minister is previous president, Dmitry Medvedev. The President has the responsibility of nominating the Prime Minister.

Russian President, Vladimir Putin