Russia test

Vanguardism

Leaders of the revolution claim to operate in the interests of the proletariat.

Democratic Centralism

Leaders are elected from below and implement party decisions with strict discipline.

Nomenklatura

A system where party members select promising recruits from below.

Collectivization

Agricultural policy that took land from peasants to create state-run farms.

Totalitarianism

A political system characterized by censorship, control of the arts, and the party being the source of truth.

Glasnost

Policy of openness aimed at reducing government censorship.

Perestroika

Practice of restructuring or reforming the political and economic system.

Power Vertical

A unified and hierarchical structure of executive power from national to local level.

Semi-Presidential System

A system where the president and prime minister share executive powers.

Duma

The lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia, which can pass legislation and approve the budget.

Federation Council

The upper house of the Federal Assembly, representing regions in national legislation.

Asymmetric Federalism

A federal system where power is unevenly distributed among states, allowing for regional autonomy.

Shock Therapy

Economic reform that rapidly transitioned Russia from a centrally planned economy to a market economy.

Oligarchs

Wealthy individuals who gained control of key economic sectors after the fall of the Soviet Union.

Judicial Review

The process by which the Constitutional Court oversees the constitutionality of laws.

Political Culture

The shared attitudes, values, and beliefs regarding politics, especially concerning authority and governance.

Civil Society

The collection of non-governmental organizations and institutions that manifest interests and will of citizens.

Russian Orthodox Christianity

The predominant religion in Russia, followed by a significant number of Muslims.

Alexey Navalny

Key opposition figure to Putin, known for anti-corruption efforts, who died in prison.

Statism

A political system where the state has substantial centralized control over social and economic affairs.

Patriotism

Support for one's country, often emphasized in state-sponsored youth organizations.

Electoral System

The system by which voters elect representatives, including mechanisms like a two-round system.

Direct Election

A voting system in which citizens directly elect their representatives.

Impeachment Process

Requires two repeat votes of no confidence within three months to remove the president.

President's Powers

Includes appointing the prime minister, issuing decrees, and dissolving the Duma.

Prime Minister's Role

Serves as head of government and the successor if the president dies or is removed.

Supreme Court

Court that hears cases referred from lower courts but does not have the power of judicial review.

Political Parties in Russia

Include United Russia, Communist Party of the Russian Federation, Liberal Democrats, and A Just Russia.

Geopolitical Cleavages

Social divisions based on ethnicity, religion, and regional identity within the population.

Emergency Powers

The president's ability to call a state of emergency and impose martial law.

Membership Criteria

Requirements for being included in the nomenklatura system.

Electoral Competition

The dynamics of how elections are contested and how political parties engage in Russia.

President's Term Limits

Maximum of two consecutive six-year terms.

Economic Practices under Stalin

Focused on industrialization and central planning, neglecting consumer goods.

Gorbachev's Policies

Reforms aimed at openness and economic restructuring that led to political unrest.

Civil Society Restrictions

Government obstacles include registration difficulties and limitations on foreign support.

Youth Groups

Organizations like Nashi, created to promote loyalty to the state among young people.

Comparative Analysis

Evaluating similar and different aspects of political systems like Russia and the UK.

Corruption and Oligarchy

Economic structures allowing for a wealthy elite to monopolize industries post-privatization.

Ethnic Cleavages

Differentiations in society stemming from various ethnic groups, with implications for national identity.

Public Discontent

Widespread dissatisfaction with government practices and economic conditions.

Foreign Policy

New Thinking under Gorbachev emphasizing reduced military focus and improved relations.