AP Comp Gov Unit 2: Russia (Akshay Pespunuri) (copy) with feedback

asymmetric federalism

a political system where power is granted to subnational governments, but that power is substantially less than that of the national government; this is the system in Russia

• From Mrs. Hawkins: When not all subnational governments are granted the same powers

Constitution of 1993

The current regime, which resulted from a failed coup by opponents of President Boris Yeltsin’s rapid economic reforms.

- From Mrs. Hawkins:  passed by referendum

powers of the Constitutional Court

Is Russia’s judiciary

judicial review (rarely used)

abstract review (can rule on a hypothetical case)

From Mrs. Hawkins: have the power of judicial review.  NOT considered independent because Putin appoints only loyalists as judges

powers of the Duma

make laws, override presidential veto, approve president’s PM appointments, vote of no confidence, impeachment

current election system for the Duma

half FPTP, half proportional, direct election

From Mrs. Hawkins: today half PR and half FPRP with a 5% threshold. Smaller, regional parties were eliminated by the electoral change to all PR with 7% threshold in 2007 and 2011.

powers of the Federation Council

not directly elected (chosen by Putin)

lawmaking power

both houses have to pass a bill

ratifies treaties

approves deployment of troops

glasnost and perestroika

political openness and economic restructuring; strategies used by Gorbachev to try to save the dying Soviet Union

illiberal democracy (hybrid regime)

government officials are elected but many procedures, including elections, are undemocratic in practice; an example of an authoritarian regime

Nashi

pro-Putin youth group funded by the state; example of civil society in Russia and authoritarian regimes

oligarchs

big business owners that have a lot of influence on politics and the economy; gained power from shock therapy

• From Mrs. Hawkins: They gained wealth during Yeltsin's shock therapy.  This is an example of a negative side effect of economic liberalization

power vertical

increased centralization of power; powers funnel back to Putin

presidential election system in Russia

majority required and runoffs needed, 2 consecutive 6 year terms

features of presidential systems

president can be removed from office by impeachment, separate presidential election, separation of powers between branches

From Mrs. Hawkins: From Mrs. Hawkins: plus scheduled election cycles.

The opposite is a parliamentary system where the PM is selected based on the outcome of legislative elections, can be removed by a vote of no confidence, fusion of powers in the legislature.

rule of law

everyone, including government officials and people in power, has to follow the law; the law applies equally to everyone

shock therapy

rapid economic reforms to change the command economy to a market economy; had catastrophic economic consequences

From Mrs. Hawkins: happened under Yeltsin. This was a short term disaster. Example of economic liberalization.

silovikia

“men of power”; select few people in Russia that have most of the influence

Mrs. Hawkins --> people with backgrounds in security services who are given gov jobs due to ties with Putin.

United Russia

the leading political party in Russia whom elections are rigged for; a party of power, preaches nationalism