The Federal Assembly: Russia's Subordinate Legislature
Core Concepts
Details the composition, powers, and electoral system of the State Duma and the Federation Council. This stack emphasizes the legislature's role as a rubber-stamp body for the executive in Russia's political system.
The Federal Assembly: Russia's Subordinate Legislature
1 of 11
What is the primary role of the State Duma, the lower house of the Federal Assembly?
Its formal roles include passing federal laws, approving the national budget, and giving consent to the President's appointment of the Prime Minister. In practice, it is dominated by the pro-presidential party and rarely challenges the executive.
How many deputies serve in the State Duma and for how long is their term?
There are \(450\) deputies in the State Duma. They are elected for a term of \(5\) years.
Describe the current electoral system for the State Duma.
A mixed-member parallel system is used. Half of the deputies (\(225\)) are elected through proportional representation from national party lists, and the other half (\(225\)) are elected in single-member districts using a first-past-the-post system.
What is the significance of the electoral threshold for party-list seats in the Duma?
Parties must win at least \(5\%\) of the national vote to gain seats from the proportional representation half of the election. This threshold makes it difficult for small or new opposition parties to enter the legislature.
What is the primary role of the Federation Council, the upper house?
The Federation Council represents Russia's regions. Its key powers include approving presidential decrees on martial law and the use of armed forces abroad, confirming presidential appointments of top judges, and approving changes to Russia's internal borders.
How are members of the Federation Council chosen?
Each of Russia's federal subjects sends two members: one appointed by the regional legislature and one appointed by the regional governor. Since governors are themselves dependent on the president, this ensures the council's loyalty to the Kremlin.
What is the main check the State Duma has on the government (Prime Minister and cabinet)?
The Duma can hold a vote of no confidence in the government. However, this is a weak power. If the Duma votes no confidence twice within three months, the president can either dismiss the government or dissolve the Duma itself.
Why is the Federal Assembly generally considered a weak legislature?
It is institutionally weak due to the president's strong veto and decree powers, its domination by the pro-presidential United Russia party, and the president's ability to dissolve the Duma. It functions more to legitimize executive policy than to create it.
What happens if the Duma rejects the president's nominee for Prime Minister three times?
The president is constitutionally required to dissolve the State Duma and call new elections. This gives the Duma a powerful incentive to approve the president's choice.
Which chamber of the Federal Assembly must approve the President's appointments for the Constitutional and Supreme Courts?
The Federation Council is responsible for confirming the President's judicial nominees.
Can the Federal Assembly override a presidential veto?
Yes, but it is extremely difficult. A veto override requires a supermajority of two-thirds of the total number of members in both the State Duma and the Federation Council.
