Russia - Political Regime

1991: Collapse of the Soviet Union leads to Russian sovereignty.
Boris Yeltsin becomes the first president of Russia.
Constitutional Void: Yeltsin inherits the Soviet constitution, lacking modern governance structure.
Legislative Conflict: Tensions arise between Yeltsin and conservative members of the legislature opposing economic liberalization.

Conflict Escalation: Yeltsin seeks to dissolve the legislature, leading to a constitutional crisis.
Military Action: Yeltsin orders the army to disband barricaded legislators in the White House; tanks fire on the building.
New Constitution: Yeltsin successfully pushes through a new constitution that enhances presidential powers.

Power Dynamics: Under Putin's presidency, formal adherence to the law exists, but manipulation of laws grows.
Constitutional Reforms (2020): Reforms alter political power and reframe presidential term limits.

Dual Leadership: Head of state (President) and head of government (Prime Minister) have separate roles.
President’s Powers: Significant authority includes:
- Appointing/removing the Prime Minister and cabinet.
- Engaging with the legislature to propose/veto legislation.
- Issuing binding decrees.
- Overseeing key ministries, including security (FSB).
Impeachment: Complex process requiring high court approval and a two-thirds legislature majority.

Role: Oversees government operations; accountable to the president and Duma.
Election Process: Nominated by the president but requires Duma approval.
Qualifications: Not necessarily a Duma member and can be a technocrat rather than a party politician.

Putin's Terms: Served two terms (2000-2008), stepped down for Medvedev, then served again from 2012.
Electoral Changes: Constitutional amendments alter term limits and governance structure.

Bicameral System: Consists of the Duma (lower house) and Federation Council (upper house).

Composition: 450 members, elected via mixed electoral system (5050 ratio of district plurality to proportional representation).
Legislative Powers: Propose and debate legislation; can override presidential veto.
Checks on Power: Can hold votes of no confidence against the Prime Minister/Security Forces.

Membership: 170 appointed members (two from each federal unit).
Limited Legislative Role: Approves budgets, treaties, constitutional court nominees, and troop deployments, but does not review all Duma laws.

Judicial Independence: Lack of a tradition of independent judiciary pre-1991.

Constitutional Court: Handles major constitutional issues and has judicial review powers.
- Typically compliant with executive directives.
Supreme Court: Handles criminal appeals, less focus on constitutional interpretation.

Political Use of Law: The judiciary is leveraged for political ends, particularly against opposition figures.
Corruption Concerns: Significant allegations of corruption among Putin’s inner circle.

Presidential Elections: Directly elected by popular vote; high barriers for nominations.
Duma Elections: Recently reverted to a mixed electoral system; United Russia dominates.

Federal System: Russia is a federal state with asymmetric federalism allowing varying levels of autonomy.
- Diversity of Political Units: Different designations for subdivisions (republics, oblasts, etc.).

Policy Changes: Putin has incrementally reduced regional government powers since 2000 through direct appointments and altering election methods.

Significant Changes: Enhancements to presidential powers; reset of term limits allowing Putin to potentially serve until 2036.
Shift in Power Dynamics: Some powers transferred to the Duma in appointments related to the Prime Minister and cabinet, allowing for nominal legislative enhancement.

Political Motivation: The time frame and nature of constitutional changes suggest potential strategies for Putin’s political legacy and maneuvering within an evolving political landscape.