Introduction to Russian Law and Politics
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Questions and Answers

What significant change did Putin make to the presidential term in 2008?

  • Eliminated it entirely
  • Extended it from 4 years to 6 years (correct)
  • Made it a lifetime position
  • Increased it to 8 years
  • What did the 2020 constitutional amendment regarding presidential terms state?

  • Presidents can only serve two consecutive terms
  • Presidents can serve unlimited terms
  • Presidents can serve two terms in their lifetime, starting from zero for Putin (correct)
  • Presidential terms were abolished
  • Who is the second most powerful figure in Russia as per the content?

  • The President's Chief of Staff
  • The Prime Minister (correct)
  • The State Duma Speaker
  • The Leader of the Opposition
  • What was the term length for members of the State Duma changed to in 2004?

    <p>5 years (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What position does the President of Russia hold regarding the armed forces?

    <p>Commander-in-chief (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which event in 2000 significantly impacted Putin's rise to power?

    <p>A lack of strong opposition (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the President's powers according to the information provided?

    <p>To veto decisions made by the parliament (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the role of Mikahil Mishustin as mentioned in the content?

    <p>Prime Minister of Russia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    On what date did the Constitution officially come into force?

    <p>December 25, 1993 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What inspired the Constitution aside from its historical roots?

    <p>The current French Constitution (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many sections are there in the Constitution?

    <p>2 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the first section of the Constitution primarily cover?

    <p>Fundamentals of the Constitutional System (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant modifications were made to the Constitution in 2020?

    <p>Amendments to 22 articles (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the new minimum number of party members required for registration?

    <p>50,000 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage is the new election threshold set at?

    <p>7% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which chapter of the Constitution deals specifically with the President of the Russian Federation?

    <p>Chapter 4 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were some of the societal impacts noted regarding Stalin's policies?

    <p>Public humiliation and mass killings (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which political party received 57 seats based on the most recent election results?

    <p>Communist Party (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was NOT mentioned as a characteristic of the Soviet legacy?

    <p>Economic prosperity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the Federal Council in Russia?

    <p>Approve state of emergency declarations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many judges are in the Constitutional Court of Russia?

    <p>19 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of cases does the Supreme Court handle primarily?

    <p>Civil, criminal, and administrative cases (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant feature of the Arbitrazh Court?

    <p>It deals with intellectual property disputes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required for passing Federal Constitutional Laws?

    <p>3/4 + 2/3 majority (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant challenge faced by Russia regarding its international law obligations?

    <p>Corruption undermines compliance with international law (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the financial outcome for the companies after the owner's imprisonment?

    <p>They incurred significant debt and went to minus. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Russia perceive the interpretation of laws by Western countries?

    <p>They believe it is biased and incorrect (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What critical factor contributed to the owner's inability to fight his court case?

    <p>His untimely death due to poor jail conditions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of sovereignty and territorial integrity has been emphasized since the Ukrainian war?

    <p>Challenges posed by foreign intervention (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the controversial aspect of the law mentioned in the content?

    <p>It primarily served as a political tool rather than necessary regulation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do journalists have concerning conflicts like the Chechen war?

    <p>To provide independent and critical information (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What issue arises from the denial of military presence in Ukraine by Russia?

    <p>It leads to confusion about Russian intentions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What consequence did the judiciary system have on potential election candidates in Russia?

    <p>Individuals arrested before elections were rendered ineligible to run. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which incident highlights the dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones?

    <p>There have been numerous killings of journalists (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which incident highlighted the dangers faced by those investigating corruption?

    <p>A lawyer fell out of a window, which was labeled an accident. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the payment made by Russia in legal cases indicate?

    <p>The problem persists in the legal system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is suggested about the Russian military's use of social media?

    <p>They inadvertently expose their location (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the attitude toward international law suggest about their legislation?

    <p>They consider it superior to international legal standards. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What political tool is mentioned as being used to influence neighboring countries?

    <p>Passportization (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does E-governance play according to the content?

    <p>It implements electronic tools in government. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the attempt to control fake news presented in the content?

    <p>As damaging to freedom of expression. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a fear of Putin regarding Khodorkovsky?

    <p>He could become president. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the consequence of the Hermitage Foundation's police raid?

    <p>Seizure of official documents. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What indicates a change in international perception of countries in orange?

    <p>Their decision to remain independent. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What trend in the 1990s affected the state and oligarchs in Russia?

    <p>A collapse of the economy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Russian Federal Assembly

    The bicameral legislature of Russia, composed of the State Duma and the Federation Council.

    State Duma

    Lower house of the Federal Assembly which approves laws passed from lower branches of the government

    Federation Council

    Upper house of the Federal Assembly; approves laws passed from the lower branches.

    Constitutional Court

    A court that settles disputes between federal government branches to maintain constitutionality

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    Arbitrazh Court

    Court handling commercial and business disputes.

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    Supreme Court

    Highest court in the Russian legal system

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    Federal Constitutional Laws

    Laws passed by the Federal Assembly concerning the Federal Constitution.

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    Election Threshold (Russia)

    The minimum percentage of votes a political party needs to achieve to win representation in the legislature.

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    Putin's KGB background

    Putin was a member of the KGB (Soviet intelligence agency) before his political career.

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    Putin's 2000 election

    Putin won the 2000 presidential election with significant opposition. He also won the 2004 election with less opposition because people liked him.

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    Putin's 2008 Constitutional Amendments

    In 2008, Putin changed the presidential term from 4 years to 6 years, arguing it was for stability. The 'consecutive term' limit was also amended later, but Putin's terms are treated as new.

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    2020 Constitutional Amendment

    The 2020 referendum changed the constitution. It removed the limit on consecutive presidential terms.

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    President of Russia

    The president is the head of state, responsible for security and constitution, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

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    Head of Federal Government

    Appointed by the president of Russia, this official handles the country's budget and implementation.

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    Election Challenges

    Opposition political figures may face challenges like imprisonment prior to election cycles.

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    Russia's foreign policy influence

    Russia's actions and decisions impacting global affairs and international relations. This includes its use of power as well as its engagement with other nations.

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    Corruption in Russia

    Abuse of power and dishonesty within Russian institutions that negatively affects the Russian economy and society.

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    Russia and international law (IL)

    Russia's relationship and adherence to established international legal norms.

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    Sovereignty and territorial integrity

    The principle that states have a right to self-governance and control over their own borders, preventing external interference.

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    Use of force in conflicts

    Russia's controversial actions in conflicts, potentially violating international laws

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    Direct military intervention in Ukraine

    Russia's actions including military deployments and involvement in Ukrainian territory.

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    Human rights violations during the war

    Actions that violate fundamental human rights during a conflict.

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    International legal recourse

    Actions available to resolve conflicts through legal means when one or more state's rights have been compromised.

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    Russian Constitution (1993)

    The constitution of the Russian Federation, established in 1993. It replaced the Soviet one and was inspired by the French Constitution.

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    Constitutional System

    The basic structure and principles of government, including rights and responsibilities.

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    Constitutional Rights

    The fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens, protected by the constitution.

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    Federal Structure

    The organization of a country into different levels and units of government (federal and local), outlining authority.

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    Soviet abuses of power

    The Soviet Union's history includes widespread human rights violations and political repression (e.g., killings, purges, famines).

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    Misleading Elections

    Elections in Russia and other countries may be affected by falsifications, and the outcome might not reflect genuine voter preference.

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    Pseudo-opposition Parties

    Political parties that seemingly oppose the ruling party but are in fact controlled by or compliant with the ruling power.

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    Yukos Case

    A high-profile legal case in Russia involving the oil giant Yukos, where the company's owner was convicted of tax evasion and sentenced to prison. Many believe this case was politically motivated, aiming to weaken opposition to the government.

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    Political Tool of Law

    The use of law as a means to achieve political ends, often targeting opponents or discouraging criticism.

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    Falsifying Elections

    Manipulating the electoral process to ensure a desired outcome, often through intimidation, media control, or manipulating voter registration.

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    Corruption and Human Rights Violations

    The abuse of power for personal gain, often accompanied by the suppression of fundamental human rights, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and fair trials.

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    Consequences of Opposition

    The risks faced by individuals who challenge authority, including threats, intimidation, and even death.

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    International Court Interpretation

    National governments sometimes interpret international laws in their own way, prioritizing their own laws and policies.

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    Rule of Law vs. State Policy

    A nation's policies sometimes conflict with established legal principles. This conflict can be seen when policy decisions clash with international norms or domestic laws.

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    Russia's Neighborhood Policy

    Russia's approach to surrounding countries often involves preventing them from joining Western-aligned organizations like the EU.

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    Oligarch Power and State Control

    Powerful individuals (oligarchs) can hold significant influence and wealth. Their actions can sometimes be manipulated to serve or threaten the state's control.

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    Control of Fake News

    Attempts to limit the spread of false information may be used as an excuse for limiting free speech, causing potential harm.

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    Yukos' Internationalization

    Certain Russian companies, like Yukos, sought to expand globally, often challenging traditional control systems.

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    Russia's Ukraine War 2022

    The war in Ukraine started in 2022 and prompted the use of political tactics to challenge or avoid the international community's reactions/opinions.

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    Law v. Political Tool

    Governments sometimes utilize legislation as a political tool instead of a legitimate means of enacting laws following international legal agreements and standards.

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    Study Notes

    Introduction to Russian Law

    • Tsarist Russia evolved into the Russian Empire (1721), then the Russian Republic (1917), the USSR (1922), and finally the Russian Federation (1991).
    • The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, leading to Russia's current republic status.
    • Russia is the largest country by territory, with numerous natural resources.
    • Approximately 81% of Russia's population is ethnically Russian.
    • Russia has a population of about 147 million people.
    • Major cities include Moscow (13 million) and St. Petersburg (5.6 million).
    • Religion in Russia is officially secular, but Orthodoxy (42%) and Islam (7%) are influential.
    • Russia is a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
    • Russia has a veto power in the UN Security Council and only agrees unanimously to resolutions.

    Political System

    • Russia is a federal republic with a semi-presidential system.
    • Power is divided between the president (more power) and prime minister.
    • Russia operates with 85 subjects, 22 republics, 9 territories, 46 regions, 3 federal cities, and 4 autonomous areas. All with their own laws.
    • Federal Districts were created (2000, +Crimea) to improve federal oversight.
    • There are three branches of government: legislative (Federal Assembly, which includes the State Duma and Federation Council), executive (the President, Prime Minister and government), and judicial (Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and Arbitrazh Court).
    • Vladimir Putin has held the presidency for extended periods (since 2000). His term was lengthened after Constitutional amendments.

    Constitutional Order

    • Russia functions as a democratic, legal, federal republic with republican governance, a sovereign state, a secular state, and high regard for human rights and freedoms.
    • The Russian Constitution was adopted in 1993.
    • The Constitution determines the structure of the state and its society: Russia as a democratic country, a legal and constitutional state, a federal state, etc.
    • The President is the head of the state and a guarantor of the constitution.

    Constitutional Court & Judicial System

    • The Constitutional Court reviews the constitutionality of laws.
    • The Supreme Court deals with civil, criminal, and administrative cases. Lower courts handle appeals and rulings.
    • Arbitrazh courts deal with commercial cases.
    • Local legislation must not violate federal laws.
    • Special courts exist for specific types of cases (e.g., intellectual property).
    • Russia has a complex legal system, with both federal and local laws.
    • Laws sometimes don't function how they should in practice, because they face different political pressures and influences.
    • The Russian legal environment has been influenced by the Soviet era, international law, and its own historical context.
    • Laws are sometimes based in the way people/Russia interpret them differently from international law
    • Russia often defines its actions as being in accordance with its own interpretation of international law, despite criticisms from other nations.
    • International law plays a role in Russia's system, while its constitution, foreign policy, and social context may lead to specific interpretations/actions.
    • Attempts by Russia to justify actions by alternative and selective interpretations of international law.
    • Relations with other countries, including the use of force and sanctions against Russia are related to its domestic policies.

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    Introduction to Russian Law PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers the evolution of Russian law and the political system from Tsarist Russia to the modern Russian Federation. Learn about the historical context, major cities, and the structure of power within the Russian government. Test your knowledge on key aspects of Russian law and its impact on modern governance.

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