AP Comp Gov Unit 2: Russia (Akshay Pespunuri)

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

Constitution of 1993

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

powers of the Constitutional Court

Is Russia’s judiciary

judicial review (rarely used)

abstract review (can rule on a hypothetical case)

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

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

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

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

silovikia

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

United Russia

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