AP COMPGOV

Civil Societies

Non-governmental organizations and institutions representing citizens' interests.

Key issue in Russian civil societies

Significant government control, including repression and limited funding.

What did the 2007 law restrict?

Public demonstrations and protests by individuals.

What happened to Pussy Riot in 2012?

They were arrested for performing a protest in a church against Putin.

Political Parties in Russia

Dominated by the United Russia party with limited influence from others due to repression.

Political Parties in the UK

Multi-party system with major parties like Conservative and Labour, plus smaller parties.

What is the structure of the Russian Constitution?

Federal semi-presidential republic with two sections and 137 articles.

Roles of PM in Russia

Appointed by the President, responsible for domestic policy.

Electoral rules in Russia

Criticism for lack of fairness and obstacles for opposition parties.

Electoral rules in the UK

Uses a first-past-the-post system where the candidate with most votes wins.

How does the Russian government undermine civil society groups?

by implementing restrictive laws that limit their activities (requiring them to register as "foreign agents" if they receive foreign funding)

Can delegitimaize there work and cause public distrust

Authorities use harassment, intimidation, and financial pressure to silence dissenting voices

Historical event: What was the December 2011 protest in Russia?

A response to alleged electoral fraud during the Duma elections, significant for civic activism.

Key aspect of the Russian Constitution regarding human rights

Guarantees rights and freedoms, but often undermined by government actions.

Role of civil society in the UK

Fosters active citizen participation and advocacy for public policies.

Key difference in protest rights between Russia and the UK

In the UK, protests are generally permitted; in Russia, they face heavy restrictions.

What type of government system does the UK have?

Parliamentary democracy, where the Prime Minister leads the government.

Major components of the Russian Federation

Composed of federal subjects with varying degrees of autonomy.

What is a significant challenge for opposition parties in Russia?

Facing repression, limited media access, and significant administrative hurdles.

What does the UK Constitution consist of?

An uncodified set of laws and principles, including statutes, conventions, and treaties.

How does the UK's electoral system influence party representation?

First-past-the-post often leads to a predominance of two major parties, marginalizing smaller ones.

How is Russia trying to quell the voice of the people? (use evidence such as “Pussy Riot”)

Through crackdowns on protests and dissent

Example: the arrest of members of the feminist punk group "Pussy Riot" shows the government’s intolerance for political dissent

Perofrmace against Putin in a church led to harsh legal consequences, demonstrating the risks activists face and discouraging public opposition

Structure of Government in Russia

A federal semi-presidential republic, combining elements of presidential and parliamentary systems.

How are elections conducted in Russia?

Elections are marred by allegations of fraud, media bias, and lack of genuine competition.

Term length for the President in Russia

The President serves a six-year term with the possibility of re-election.

Major political parties in Russia

Primarily the United Russia party, with significant limitations on the activities of opposition parties.

Role of Prime Minister in Russia

Acts as head of government, implements domestic policies, and is appointed by the President.

Comparison of political parties: UK vs Russia

UK allows multi-party participation; Russia has limited viable options due to government repression.

Electoral rules influence in UK elections

UK's first-past-the-post system usually benefits larger parties, disadvantaging smaller parties.

What is the role of civil society in the UK?

Promotes citizen engagement, advocacy, and influences public policy.

How does the Russian government control political discourse?

By restricting media freedoms and suppressing dissenting voices, including through legal threats.

Election observation in Russia vs UK

Independent observers in the UK can monitor elections freely, while in Russia, they face restrictions.