AP Comp Gov 7

Presidential Decree

An official order issued by the president that has the force of law without requiring legislative approval.

Prime Minister

The head of government who is appointed by the president and is responsible for managing government operations.

State Duma

The lower house of Russia's legislature, responsible for passing laws and approving the national budget.

Federation Council

The upper house of Russia's legislature that represents federal regions and participates in national lawmaking.

Asymmetric Federalism

A federal system in which different regional governments have different levels of autonomy and authority.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to determine whether laws or government actions are consistent with the constitution.

Judicial Independence

The ability of courts and judges to make decisions without interference from political leaders or other branches of government.

Impeachment

A formal process through which a legislature brings charges against a high-ranking government official for serious misconduct.

Economic Diversification

The process of developing different industries to reduce an economy's dependence on a limited number of resources or sectors.

Economic Sanctions

Economic restrictions imposed by one or more countries to pressure another country to change its policies or behavior.