Political system of Russia

Political system of Russia

Russia is a democratic federative law-governed state with a republican form of government. The Russian Federation consists of 83 constituent entities such as republics, oblasts, krays and other. Each part of the country has the right to pass laws but they cannot contradict federal laws. In case of a conflict between federal and local authorities the President has the right to suspend any local law until the dispute is resolved by a court.

The President

The President is the head of the state and determines its internal and external policy. He is elected for 6 years by all eligible citizens of the country and may be re-elected for the second term. The President is the Supreme Commander-in-chief of the armed forces and the head of the Security Council. He can introduce the state of emergency in the whole territory of the country or in some parts of it. The President has the right to show mercy and to decide on issues of citizenship. He also has the power to dissolve the State Duma and to announce parliamentary elections ahead of time. The President must resign in case of impeachment or due to poor health.

Legislative power

The highest legislative body of Russia which is called the Federal Assembly consists of two chambers: the Federation Council and the State Duma. The Federation Council includes 2 representatives from each part of the country, the State Duma consists of 450 elected deputies.

State Duma

The State Duma adopts federal laws on such issues as the state budget, taxes and levies, money emission, protection of state borders, war and peace and other. The State Duma can approve or disapprove the President’s candidates to the posts of the Prime-Minister, the Chairman of the Central bank, the Chairman of the Accounts Chamber, the Chairman of the Constitutional Court, the Chairman of the Supreme Court and the Chairman of the Higher Arbitration Court, the Commissioner for Human Rights. The deputies of the State Duma decide the issue of confidence in the government. The State Duma has the power to announce general amnesty. The State Duma has the right to bring charges against the President for his impeachment.

Federal Council

The Federation Council examines federal laws which adopts of State Duma.  The Federation Council must approve the decisions on changing borders inside or using armed forces outside Russia. The Prosecutor General and judges of the highest courts are nominated by the President and approved or dismissed by the Federal Council. The Federal Council has the right of final decision on the impeachment of the President.

Executive power

The highest executive body of our country is the Government which consists of the Chairman (the Prime-Minister), Deputies Chairman and federal ministers. The Government must introduce the draft budget to be discussed and approved by the State Duma. The Government ensures legality, state security, the realization of foreign policy, rights and freedoms of all citizens. The Government must take measures to protect property, public order and to combat crime. The Government provides the uniform state policy in the sphere of culture, science, education, health and ecology.

The procedure of passing a law

Federal laws are adopted by the State Duma. A federal law is to be approved by Federation Council. If a law is rejected of Federation Council, the chambers may set up a conciliatory commission to settle difference, after which the federal law shall be reconsidered by the State Duma. A law may be reconsidered if the President rejects a federal law within fourteen days of receiving it. The President must sign the law when the law reconsideration is approved members of the Federation Council and of deputies of the State Duma.