Overview of Russia's History and Politics

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Questions and Answers

What is the likely origin of the name 'Rus'?

A Greek word for empire

A French term for unity

An Old Slavic term for land

An Old Norse word meaning 'rowers' (correct)

Who declared himself Tsar of 'All Rus' in the 16th century?

Nicholas II

Peter the Great

Catherine the Great

Ivan IV (correct)

How many members does the State Duma have?

500

450 (correct)

300

600

What is the primary role of the president in Russia?

Overseeing foreign policy and national defense Signup and view all the answers

How long is the term for a Russian president?

Six years Signup and view all the answers

Which chamber of the Federal Assembly is the upper house?

Council of Federations Signup and view all the answers

What powers does the prime minister have compared to the president?

Less authority and limited powers Signup and view all the answers

Which body can approve or reject the president's choice for prime minister?

State Duma Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Russian population identifies as Orthodox Christians?

70% Signup and view all the answers

Which region in Russia primarily practices Islam?

North Caucasus Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate percentage of Muslims in the Russian population?

10-15% Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes the most significant holiday celebrated in Russia?

New Year Signup and view all the answers

What common practice reflects Russian customs around hospitality?

Bringing a small gift to the host Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the current status of the Russian Orthodox Church?

It has gained prominence since the fall of the Soviet Union. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Russian population adheres to Buddhism?

0.5% Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is commonly associated with Russians spending time at their dachas?

Gardening and cooking Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Federation Council in Russia?

To approve or reject laws passed by the State Duma Signup and view all the answers

Which court in Russia serves as the highest for civil, criminal, and administrative cases?

Supreme Court Signup and view all the answers

How many federal subjects make up the federation of Russia?

85 Signup and view all the answers

Which political party has dominated the political landscape in Russia for years?

United Russia Signup and view all the answers

What condition has raised concerns about the fairness of elections in Russia?

Voter suppression and media control Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of federal subject in Russia?

Provinces Signup and view all the answers

What cultural aspect is highly regarded among Russians?

Family and community values Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest ethnic group in Russia?

Russians Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the banya in Russian culture?

It functions as a social and cultural institution. Signup and view all the answers

Which festival marks the transition from winter to Lent in Russia?

Maslenitsa Signup and view all the answers

In Russian culture, which of the following beliefs is considered unlucky?

The number 13 Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of family values in Russian culture?

Elders are respected and consulted for advice. Signup and view all the answers

What role do traditional gender roles play in Russian society?

They highlight the male as the primary breadwinner. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common superstition in Russian culture?

Avoiding doorways for passing objects. Signup and view all the answers

Despite the legal rights, what is a significant issue faced by women in Russia?

Domestic violence poses enforcement challenges. Signup and view all the answers

From which tradition do many Russian cultural practices derive?

Pagan influences Signup and view all the answers

What law was passed in 2017 regarding domestic violence?

It decriminalized certain forms of domestic violence. Signup and view all the answers

What has been a recent influence on the rise of conservative views on gender in Russia?

Government's promotion of traditional family values. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a focus for feminist activists in Russia?

Corporate leadership roles Signup and view all the answers

How do urban women's experiences differ from rural women's experiences in Russia?

Urban women encounter more opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a staple food in Russian cuisine?

Borscht Signup and view all the answers

What is the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow best known for?

Ballet and opera performances Signup and view all the answers

What type of dish are pelmeni?

Dumplings filled with minced meat Signup and view all the answers

Which landmark features St. Basil's Cathedral?

Red Square Signup and view all the answers

What is a major issue faced by Russia's educational system?

Underfunding resulting in outdated resources Signup and view all the answers

What type of assessments are commonly criticized in Russia's educational system?

Traditional, exam-based assessments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a domestic strategy that Russia has implemented?

Strengthening military alliances Signup and view all the answers

What social issue is particularly concerning in Russia's education system?

Dropout rates, especially in rural areas Signup and view all the answers

What has been a criticism of the Russian education curriculum?

It is too theoretical and outdated. Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following sectors has Russia focused on import substitution?

Agriculture and pharmaceuticals Signup and view all the answers

What continues to be a problem affecting students' performance in Russian schools?

Bullying and harassment Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is Russia pursuing in response to international dynamics?

Military build-up to enhance defense capabilities Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Country of Russia

Russia's name originated from the medieval state of Kievan Rus'
Founded in the 9th century by Vikings
The name "Rus" comes from the Old Norse word "roðs", meaning rowers or seafarers
Kievan Rus' later fragmented into various principalities
Mongol invasions reshaped the region
The Grand Duchy of Moscow emerged in the 14th century
Ivan the Terrible declared himself Tsar of "All Rus" in the 16th century, symbolizing the unified claim to lands
The name Russia (Rossiya) evolved, continuing the medieval Rus' state

Political Structure

Executive Branch:
- President is the head of state, holding significant authority
- Responsible for foreign policy, national defense, and appointing the prime minister (with State Duma approval).
- Can issue decrees with the force of law
- Current President: Vladimir Putin (as of 2024)
- Terms: 6 years, can serve two consecutive terms
- Prime Minister:
  - Head of government
  - Responsible for domestic and economic policy
  - Powers are more limited than the president
  - Current Prime Minister: Mikhail Mishustin (as of 2024)
- Federal Ministries: Appointed by the prime minister, responsible for various areas like defense, education, and healthcare
Legislative Branch:
- Bicameral legislature called the Federal Assembly
- Divided into the State Duma (lower house) and Federation Council (upper house)
- State Duma: 450 members, elected for five-year terms; drafts and passes legislation
- Federation Council: 170 members, two representatives from each of Russia's 85 federal subjects (regions/republics). Approves/rejects laws.
Judicial Branch:
- Constitutional Court: Ensures laws conform to the Russian Constitution
- Supreme Court: Highest court for civil, criminal, and administrative cases
- Arbitration Courts: Handle commercial disputes
Federal Structure:
- 85 federal subjects, including republics, territories (krais), regions (oblasts), cities of federal significance, autonomous areas, and an autonomous region.
- Republics often have their own constitutions and languages alongside Russian.

Contemporary Culture

Russian culture is rich in literature, music, ballet, and cinema
Family, community, and tradition highly valued
Russian Orthodox Church is the dominant religion (about 70% of population)
Also significant Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish communities, and other religions
Strong sense of national pride, resilience, and hospitality
Deep rooted sense of tradition
Value family, community, and cultural heritage
Can be reserved at first, but warm and loyal
Rich in literature and art, with notable historical events influencing cultural values

Language

Russia has over 100 languages spoken across vast territory
Russian is the official language. Spoken by a vast majority

Religion

Russian Orthodoxy is the predominant faith
Historical roots in 988 AD
Influence on Russian culture, traditions, and identity
Significant role in the country's traditions, arts, and politics
Islam is the second-largest religion

Customs and Beliefs

Hospitality: bringing gifts, offering meals
Dacha: country houses, for weekends and holidays; gardening and outdoor activities
New Year Celebration: lavish feasts, fireworks
Banya (Bathhouse): steam bath rituals like cold plunges
Maslenitsa: week-long festival marking the end of winter and the beginning of Lent, features pancakes (blini), folk games, and effigy burning

Educational System

General education in Russia consists of four levels:
- Preschool (Дошкольное образование): typically 3–6 years old, play-based learning, social skill development, basic literacy and numeracy.
- Primary Education (Начальное общее образование): 6 or 7-10 years old (Grades 1–4), focused on foundational subjects.
- Basic General Education (Основное общее образование): 10-15 years old (Grades 5–9), broad curriculum.
- Secondary Education (Cреднее общее образование): 15–17 years old (Grades 10–11), preparation for university admission.
- Vocational Education (Среднее профессиональное образование): 15–18 years old (or older), specializing for specific professions.
- Higher Education (Высшее образование): 18+, undergraduate or graduate

Challenges and Current Issues

Economic Stagnation: Slow growth, reliance on energy exports
Demographic Crisis: Declining population, low birth rates, increasing life expectancy
Ukraine War: Severe economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation, massive loss of life
Western Sanctions: significant impact on Russia's economy, limiting access to markets.
Energy Dependence: Vulnerable to energy price fluctuations, geopolitical tensions.
Environmental Issues: Air and water pollution, soil contamination.
Natural Resource Management: Illegal logging, overexploitation, inadequate waste management
Nuclear Legacy: Storage and disposal of nuclear waste.
Russia's View on LGBTQ+ Community: legal restrictions, social stigma
Social Issues: high dropout rates, bullying and harassment.
Educational System Issues: underfunding, outdated infrastructure, low teacher salaries, disparities in quality regional differences.

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Description

Explore the origins of Russia, from Kievan Rus' to the rise of the Grand Duchy of Moscow. This quiz covers significant historical events and the political structure of modern Russia, including the roles of the President and Prime Minister. Test your knowledge on the evolution of Russia's name and its governance.