AP Comparative Government & Politics : Russia Study Guide

Civil societies

Protests

Political parties

Constitution

Comparative UK and Russia

Roles of Prime Minister

Political parties

Electoral rules / elections

Federal and Unitary systems

Graphs

FRQ questions:

1) How does the Russian government undermine civil society groups?

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

FRQ answers:

1) 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

2) 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

FEDERALISM

Symmetric federalism : all subunits (like states in the US) have equal power

Asymmetrical federalism: not all subunits have equal power

Unitarian: power is all in the central government

CONSTITUTION

(adopted) Was adopted in 1993

(Structure) has a preamble with 2 sections and 137 articles (outlining the framework of government, rights of citizens, and the division of powers)

(Govt. structure) establishes a federal semi-presidential republic with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches

(president) head of state, responsible for foreign policy (6 year term)

(PM) appointed by the pres., head of govt. and responsible for domestic policy and economic matters

(federal assembly) bicameral legislature, consists of the Federation Council (upper house) and the State Duma (lower house)

(judicial system) constitutional court that reviews laws and government actions

(rights and freedoms) civil liberties, freedom of speech, assembly, and religion

(amendments) can be amended to any major political dynamic, most recent change in 2020

HISTORY:

Between 1945-1991 it was called the Soviet Union

Collapsed in 1991 and transitioned into the russian federation]

The first president was boris Yeltsin

He tried to change the country into a democracy with free market principles (Free market principles-voluntary exchange, transactions in which buyers and sellers freely trade goods and services. This is called ‘shock therapy’

New constitution was established in 1993 (provides legitimacy for the government)

Putin became president in 1999

Today Russia is an illiberal democracy

This means that they do have elections and they do vote for their officials but civil liberties are restricted.

Under Putin, Russia has been more authoritarian

STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT:

Russia has a president, prime minister, and a legislature called the federation assembly

Federation Assembly consists of the Duma and Federation Council

There is also a Supreme court which has 115 members - nominated by president and appointed federation council

ELECTIONS AND TERMS OF OFFICE:

President of Russia serves a 6 year term - it used to be 4 year term during Putin’s early presidency

The federation council has 170 seats - upper house

Represents regions - 2 members from each subunit

One is decided by president (putin)

The other is decided by regional legislature

They can:

Change the boundaries of republics

Delay bills

Appoint / remove judges

Allow armies to be used externally

Approve presidential appointees and decrees

There are 450 seats in the State Duma. - lower house (more powerful)

5 year terms

Half are elected by proportional representation

The other half is elected by single member districts

Powers are limited and women + workers underrepresented

They can:

Initiate, accept and reject legislation

With ⅔ vote, can bypass presidential veto

Approve or reject prime minister nominees

COMPARING UK AND RUSSIA:

⇼ Roles of Prime Minister:

Russia:

PM is head of government and responsible for day-to-day administration

PM is appointed by the President and approved by the Duma

Role has power, can be limited under President’s authority

UK:

PM is head of government and leafs legislative branch

Elected as the leader of the majority party in the house of commons

PM directs government policy, leads the cabinet, represents the country internationally

⇼ Political Parties

Russia:

Dominated by the United Russia party (supports President Putin)

Other parties exist yet have limited influences due to lack of media access

Political repression is often repressed

UK:

Multi-party system dominated by two major parties (Conservative and Labour party)

Smaller parties exist (Liberal Democrats and regional parties like the SNP)

Contributes to a more competitive political environment

⇼ Electoral Rules / Elections

Russia:

Elections are held for State Duma and the President

Criticized for lack of fairness, transparency, and competition

Opposition parties face obstacles while ruling party benefits

UK:

Uses a first-past-the-post electoral system for parliamentary elections

Candidate with most votes in a constituency wins

Elections are typically regarded as fair, with regular opportunities for parties to compete

CIVIL SOCIETIES:

refers to non-governmental organizations and institutions that represent the interests and will of citizens

Russian govt displayed significant control over civil society, especially in the 2000’s (foreign agents)

Struggle with repression, limited funding, and crackdowns on protests and free speech

Some citizens participate through grassroots movements, environmental advocacy, and human rights work

Younger generations like to use digital platforms for activism, speaking out against corruption and inequality (social issues)

PROTESTS:

In 2007, Putin restricted the use of public demonstrations and protests

This law only allows individuals to picket if there is at least 50-meter distance in each person picketing

The 2012 arrest of the Punk group Pussy Riot

Feb 21, 2012 punk rock group Pussy Riot arrested for performing a “punk prayer” protesting the Russian Orthodox Church’s support for Putin in upcoming election

This feminist group formed in 2011 opposes Russian Regime

Flashcards for Study

Civil Societies

• Definition: Non-governmental organizations and institutions representing citizens' interests.

• Key Points:

  • Significant control by the Russian government.

  • Issues include repression, limited funding, and protests.

  • Younger generations engage in activism through digital platforms.

Protests

• Key Events:

  • 2007: Restrictions on public demonstrations imposed by Putin.

  • 2012: Arrest of punk group Pussy Riot for protesting in a church.

• Understanding the Impact: Protests face severe legal consequences, discouraging public opposition.

Political Parties

• Russia:

  • Dominated by the United Russia party.

  • Other parties exist but have limited influence due to repression and media access.

• UK:

  • Multi-party system featuring Conservative and Labour parties.

  • Includes smaller parties like Liberal Democrats and SNP.

Constitution

• Adoption: Established in 1993.

• Structure: Preceding this document, two sections and 137 articles.

• Government Framework:

  • Federal semi-presidential republic.

  • Rights of citizens and division of powers included.

Roles of Prime Minister

• Russia: Appointed by the president, responsible for domestic policy.

• UK: Elected leader of the majority party, directs government policy, leads cabinet.

Electoral Rules / Elections

• Russia:

  • Criticism for lack of fairness and transparency.

  • Obstacles for opposition parties.

• UK:

  • First-past-the-post electoral system.

  • Elections generally seen as fair with competitive opportunities.

Federalism

• Symmetric: Equal power among subunits (e.g., states in the US).

• Asymmetric: Subunits have unequal power.

• Unitary: Centralized power in the government without subunit authority.

FRQ Questions to Prepare For

1. How does the Russian government undermine civil society groups?

   • Recognition of restrictive laws, harassment, intimidation, and financial pressures.

2. How is Russia trying to quell the voice of the people?

   • Use evidence like the actions against Pussy Riot and crackdowns on protests.

Study Tips for Test Preparation

• Understand Key Terms: Familiarize yourself with terms like "civil society," "federalism," and "illiberal democracy."

• Compare and Contrast: Be prepared to compare the political structures of Russia and the UK.

• Contextualize Events: Relate historical events to current political climates.