Russia - Unit 2

President

“Directly elected for six-year terms (previously four years, changed by constitutional amendment). The president serves as head of state, commander-in-chief, and sets the direction of domestic and foreign policy.”

• Determines main directions of domestic and foreign policy

• Represents Russia in international relations

• Commands the armed forces

• Appoints key security officials, judges, and prosecutors

• Can issue decrees with the force of law

• Can dissolve the Duma under certain circumstances

• Nominates the prime minister and can dismiss the government

Prime Minister

“Nominated by the president and confirmed by the State Duma. Serves as head of government, overseeing the cabinet and civil service.”

• Manages implementation of government policy

• Oversees the budget process

• Coordinates ministerial activities

• Manages economic and social policies

Cabinet (Council of Ministers)

“Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister.”

State Duma (Lower House)

• 450 deputies elected for five-year terms

• Half elected from single-member districts, half through proportional representation with a threshold (currently 5%)

• Primary law-making body that passes federal laws

• Confirms the president's nomination for prime minister

• Can pass a vote of no confidence in the government (though with limited practical effect)

Federation Council (Upper House)

• Two representatives from each federal subject (one from the executive branch, one from the legislative)

• Approves presidential decrees on martial law, emergency situations

• Confirms judicial appointments and presidential use of armed forces abroad

• Reviews bills passed by the Duma

Legislative Process

• Bills typically originate in the Duma

• After Duma approval, bills go to the Federation Council

• The president can sign or veto legislation

• Presidential vetoes can be overridden by a two-thirds majority in both houses

Legislative-Executive Relations

While formally powerful, the legislature's independence is constrained by:

• United Russia's dominance in the Duma

• Presidential control over the legislative agenda

• Federation Council has limited capacity to check presidential power

Constitutional Court

created after USSR ruling in 1993; made up of 19 members appointed by the President and confirmed by the Federations Council; ensures law goes with the constitution and interprets laws

Supreme Court

last resort for Russian administrative law, civil law, and criminal law

Judicial Selection

Judges nominated by president and approved by the Federation Council; creating an appointment process that gives the executive significant influence over the judiciary

General Jurisdiction Courts

District and regional courts handling most criminal and civil cases