Russia test
Possible FRQs ***Be prepared for comparisons with the UK!!!***
Part 1: The Making of the Modern Russian State
Explain the political institutions and economic practices of the Soviet Union.
Some of the political institutions in the Soviet Union were nomenklatura, a system of selecting potential leaders as they moved up in the ranks of the Soviet government, and the central committee, politburo, and general secretary, all of which helped lead the Communist Party. Some Soviet economic practices were collectivization, which took land from peasants to make state-run farms, heavy industrialization, and the abolition of private land ownership.
Explain Gorbachev’s reform policies.
“political openness (glasnost)”
open discussion of issues
open door for revolt in some republicans
excluded private property ownership
price controls
What were the effects of shock therapy under Yeltsin? Allowed some degree of privatization for certain people, which led to oligarchy and corruption. Rapid change from a centrally planned to free market economy. This led to inflation
Part 2: Institutions
Explain why Russia is considered to be an illiberal democracy. While there are regular elections there has never been a real transfer of power from different political parties
Define "hybrid regime" and explain how Russia exhibits characteristics of both democratic and authoritarian systems.
How does asymmetric federalism differ from federalism?
Describe the electoral systems and how political competition works in Russia and the U.K.
Describe the powers of the president in Russia and how that is different from the prime minister.
The president serves an executive role, being able to appoint officials, handle military and foreign policy, and can veto bills passed in the parliament. The PM is the head of government and oversees the civil service or bureaucratic agencies. Represents the Russian government in Russia and abroad; Determines the operating priorities of the Government and organizes its work in accordance with the Constitution, federal constitutional laws, federal laws and Presidential decrees. Chairs meetings of the Government, where he has the decisive vote;
What are the similarities and differences between the Duma and Federation Council?
The Federation Council consists of two representatives from each branch of the Russian government: the executive and the legislative branches. Two major decisions that are made by the Federation are: anything concerning Russia and foreign affairs as well as appointing the election of the President. (And dismissing him/her.) The Duma consisting of 450 members and its powers are as follows: (a) agrees on the appointment of the Chairman of the Government proposed by the President; (b) decides on the question of confidence in the Government of the Russian Federation; (c) hears annual reports of the Government on the results of its activities, including on issues raised by the State Duma; (d) appoints and dismisses the Chairmen of the Central Bank, the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation and half of its auditors, and the High-Commissioner for Human Rights; (e) declares an amnesty; (f) makes charges against the President of the Russian Federation for his (her) removal from office.
Part 3: Citizens, Society, and the State:
What are the main political parties in Russia and what do they believe in?
United Russia - Conservatism and nationalism, statism.
Communist Party of the Russian Federation - Communist, Lenin-Marxism, Democratic Socialism, and Neo-Stalinism.
What restrictions have been placed on civil society in Russia?
Under Putin there have been many obstacles including registration, reporting requirements, and government supervision. The government has placed severe restrictions on group activities, especially on groups that are openly critical of government policies. The government also investigates sources of income, making registration difficult, and there is police harassment. Since Putin’s reelection in 2012, there have been new laws restricting nonprofits: restrict foreign financing, and require them to register as “foreign agents”; and the definition of “high treason” has been expanded to include assisting foreign organizations.
Explain the process of privatization in the late 1990s and how it led to the rise of the oligarchs.
The government decided to privatize many federal companies, and did so by gifting shares of these companies to citizens through vouchers. However, they were typically seen as not valuable. Oligarchs bought up many of these vouchers until they owned huge portions of the companies, and became very wealthy through it.
Describe two restrictions to civil society in Russia and explain why the Russian government continues to allow some civil society groups to operate.
The government will investigate sources of income which will make registration difficult. The government has also placed severe restrictions on group activities, mainly ones that are critical of government policies. The Russian government continues to allow civil society groups to operate if they build and increase a loyal following towards the government. An example of this is the Nashi, which is a youth group created by Putin to increase the authoritarian state.