Studied by 14 people
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
Note 
Flashcard (58)