Russian Federation State System.

Russian Federation State System.

The Russian Federation State System is set up by the Constitution of 1993 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Under the Constitution Russia is a Presidential Republic. The federal government consists of three branches: legislative, executive and judicial. Each of them is checked and balanced by the President.

The legislative power is represented by the Federal Assembly. It consists of two chambers: the Upper Chamber is the Council of Federation. The Lower Chamber is the State Duma. Each chamber is headed by the Chairman. Legislature is initiated in the Lower Chamber. To become a law a bill must be approved by both chambers and signed by the President. The President may veto the bill. The State Duma may override the veto.

The President is elected for four years and is the head of the State. The President is the Supreme Commander –in – Chief of the armed forces. He makes treaties, enforces laws, appoints the Prime Minister to be approved by the State Duma.

The executive power belongs to the Government which is headed by the Prime Minister. The first action of the Prime Minister on appointment is to form the Cabinet.

The judicial branch is represented by the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, The Arbitrary Court and regional courts.

The members of the State Duma are elected by the popular vote for a four- year period. The Council of Federation is not elected. It is formed of the head of the regions.

Answer the questions.

1. What does the federal government consist of?

2. What are the functions of the president?

3. How can a bill become a law?

4. Is Prime Minister elected or appointed?

5. How often are the members of State Duma elected?