Russia's Government Structure
The Russian Federation operates as a federal semi-presidential republic. The government structure is defined by the Constitution of Russia, adopted in 1993. The key elements of this structure include the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Executive Branch
President:
Role: The President of Russia is the head of state and holds significant executive power. The President sets domestic and foreign policy, represents Russia internationally, and serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Powers: Includes appointing the Prime Minister (with the consent of the State Duma), issuing decrees and directives, granting pardons, and calling referendums.
Term: Elected for a six-year term and can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. The term limit can be reset by constitutional amendments, allowing more terms if not consecutive.
Prime Minister:
Role: The Prime Minister is the head of government and oversees the federal cabinet and executive branch operations.
Appointment: Nominated by the President and confirmed by the State Duma.
Responsibilities: Implements domestic policy, oversees the federal budget, and ensures the execution of laws and presidential decrees.
Federal Ministries and Agencies:
Ministries: Various ministries handle specific policy areas such as defense, foreign affairs, finance, health, and education.
Agencies: Numerous federal services and agencies operate under the ministries, implementing specific regulatory and administrative tasks.
Legislative Branch
The legislative power in Russia is vested in the Federal Assembly, a bicameral body composed of the State Duma (lower house) and the Federation Council (upper house).
State Duma:
Composition: Consists of 450 deputies elected for five-year terms.
Elections: Deputies are elected through a mixed system of proportional representation and single-member districts.
Functions: Responsible for drafting and adopting federal laws, approving the Prime Minister, and overseeing the executive branch through various committees.
Federation Council:
Composition: Comprises 170 members, with each of the 85 federal subjects (regions) sending two representatives (one from the regional legislature and one appointed by the regional governor).
Functions: Reviews and approves laws passed by the State Duma, ratifies international treaties, approves presidential decrees related to martial law or states of emergency, and has the power to impeach the President.
Judicial Branch
The judiciary in Russia is independent and includes several levels of courts, with the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, and the arbitration courts being the most significant.
Constitutional Court:
Role: Interprets the Constitution, resolves disputes between federal and regional authorities, and reviews the constitutionality of laws and presidential decrees.
Composition: Consists of 19 judges appointed by the Federation Council upon the recommendation of the President.
Supreme Court:
Role: The highest court for civil, criminal, and administrative cases. It oversees the judiciary's general jurisdiction, providing guidance and interpretation of laws.
Composition: Judges are appointed by the Federation Council upon the President's recommendation.
Arbitration Courts:
Role: Handle economic disputes and commercial cases. They operate at various levels, including regional and federal district courts.
Structure: Includes the Supreme Court of Arbitration, which is the highest authority for commercial disputes.
Federal Structure and Local Government
Russia is a federation comprising 85 federal subjects, including republics, territories (krais), regions (oblasts), cities of federal significance, an autonomous region, and autonomous areas.
Republics: Have their own constitutions and official languages. They enjoy a higher degree of autonomy compared to other federal subjects.
Territories and Regions: Governed by regional laws and headed by governors.
Cities of Federal Significance: Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Sevastopol have the same status as federal subjects.
Local Governments: Municipalities and local administrations handle local affairs and report to regional authorities.
Constitutional Amendments and Referendums
Russia's Constitution can be amended through a complex process that typically requires approval by the Federal Assembly and, in some cases, by referendums. Significant amendments were made in 2020, allowing the President to potentially extend their term limits and restructuring certain government powers.