Russian Politics - Central Authorities of Russia. Legislature, Executive Branch, Judiciary
The Head of State
The Head of State is the President elected for a term of four years with the possibility of re-election for a second term. In accordance with the Constitution and federal law the President defines the main directions of domestic and foreign policy, is the guarantor of the Constitution, human rights and freedoms of citizens. The President’s non-affiliation to any of the branches of government ensures their harmonious cooperation.
The President of Russia as the head of state represents the Russian Federation inside the country and in international relations; issues decrees and orders, which must not contradict the Russian Constitution and federal laws.
The President of the Russian Federation possesses immunity status.
The President of the Russian Federation
- appoints the plenipotentiary representatives of the President of the Russian Federation, the highest command of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and the diplomatic representatives of the Russian Federation in foreign states and international organizations, judges of federal courts (except the Constitutional, Supreme Court and Supreme Arbitration).
- forms the administration of the President of the Russian Federation and the Security Council of Russian Federation (and heads it).
- approves the military doctrine of the Russian Federation;
- originates bills in the State Duma;
- signs and promulgates federal laws;
- declares the State Duma elections;
- dissolves the State Duma in cases and manner stipulated by the Constitution;
- originates a referendum;
Since May 7, 2008 Dmitry Medvedev has been the President of the Russian Federation.
Legislature
The Federal Assembly is the representative and legislative body of Russia consisting of two chambers: the upper - the Federation Council - and lower - the State Duma. The Federation Council is composed of 178 members at a rate of two representatives from each constituent of the Russian Federation: one from the representative and executive bodies of state power.
The State Duma consists of 450 deputies elected for four years on a mixed principle - lists of associations and single-mandate constituencies on the basis of the majoritarian system.
The Executive Branch
Executive power in the country is exercised by the Government of the Russian Federation. Its Chairman is appointed by the President with the consent of the State Duma. The President of the Russian Federation adopts the decision on resignation of the Government.
The Judiciary
Judicial power in Russia is represented by the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation and the systems of general and arbitration courts headed by the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation and Supreme Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation.
The supreme judicial body of general courts is the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation.
Cases in economy and business issues are handled by arbitration courts. The Supreme Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation is the highest authority.
The Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation consists of 19 judges appointed by the Council of the Federation upon the recommendation of the President. The Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation takes action only by the request of lower courts, as well as on request of President of Russian Federation, the Federation Council, the State Duma, the Russian Supreme Court, Supreme Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation.
The Public Prosecutor's Office, the unified law enforcement system, acts on behalf of the Russian Federation. It monitors the execution of the law, coordinates the activities of law enforcement agencies in combating crime. The Public Prosecutor's Office is headed by the Attorney General's Office.
