Russia's 1993 Constitution & Governmental Structure

Foundational

An overview of the foundational legal document of the Russian Federation, outlining the formal powers and relationships between the President, Government, Federal Assembly, and Judiciary. Establishes the framework of Russia's semi-presidential system.

Russia's 1993 Constitution & Governmental Structure

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What major event led to the adoption of the current Russian Constitution in 1993?

The 1993 constitutional crisis, a violent power struggle between President Boris Yeltsin and the Russian parliament. Yeltsin used military force to dissolve the parliament, and the crisis concluded with a referendum that approved the new, president-heavy constitution.

What type of political system did the 1993 Constitution establish in Russia?

A semi-presidential system (or mixed presidential-parliamentary system). This system features both a directly elected president with significant executive power (head of state) and a prime minister who leads the government (head of government).

Who is the head of state and who is the head of government in the Russian political system?

Head of State: The President, who holds the ultimate executive authority. Head of Government: The Prime Minister (also called the Chairman of the Government), who manages the cabinet and day-to-day administration but is appointed by and subordinate to the president.

What are the two chambers of Russia's bicameral legislature, the Federal Assembly?

The State Duma (the lower and more powerful house) and the Federation Council (the upper house, which represents the regions).

How did the 1993 Constitution resolve the power struggle of the early 1990s?

It created a "superpresidency" by granting the president vast formal powers, such as the ability to issue decrees with the force of law, appoint the prime minister, and dissolve the Duma. This made the executive branch dominant over the legislative branch.

What is a key feature of Russian federalism as outlined in the constitution?

Asymmetric federalism. This means that different constituent units of the federation (e.g., republics, oblasts, krais) have different levels of power and autonomy, with republics traditionally holding a higher status.

What is the primary role of the Constitutional Court of Russia?

To interpret the constitution and exercise judicial review by determining the constitutionality of federal laws, presidential decrees, and other government actions. In practice, its power to check the executive is severely limited.

What power does the constitution give the president regarding legislation passed by the Federal Assembly?

The president holds a strong veto power. To override a presidential veto, both the State Duma and the Federation Council must pass the original bill again with a two-thirds majority, a very difficult threshold to meet.

How can the Russian president be impeached according to the constitution?

The process is extremely difficult, designed to be almost impossible. It requires charges of treason or other grave crimes to be brought by the Duma, approved by both the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court, and then passed by a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers.

How are amendments to the core chapters of the Russian Constitution (Chapters \(1\), \(2\), and \(9\)) made?

These chapters, which cover the foundations of the constitutional system, human rights, and amendment procedures, can only be changed by convening a Constitutional Assembly, a body that has never been formed. This makes the core of the constitution highly rigid.

What formal power does the Prime Minister of Russia have?

The Prime Minister oversees the day-to-day administration of the country and is responsible for implementing domestic and economic policy. However, they are appointed by the president and can be dismissed by the president at any time.

Russia's 1993 Constitution & Governmental Structure

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