Russia Test Review Unit 2

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Questions and Answers

Which party is known for its socialist and anti-capitalist ideology?

New People

Communist Party of the Russian Federation (correct)

A Just Russia – For Truth

Liberal Democratic Party of Russia

What is a key feature of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia?

Promotion of social welfare programs

Advocacy for state control of industries

Focus on economic modernization

Inflammatory rhetoric and charismatic leadership (correct)

Which ideology does A Just Russia – For Truth primarily represent?

Libertarian reformism

Social democracy (correct)

Communist socialism

Far-right nationalism

Which party primarily appeals to younger, urban voters?

New People Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation's appeal?

Emphasis on state control of industries Signup and view all the answers

Which historical factor contributed to the establishment of authoritarianism in Russia by promoting centralized rule?

The Mongol Invasion Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Orthodox Church play in the context of Russian authoritarianism?

It supported the tsar as God’s representative. Signup and view all the answers

How did Ivan the Terrible's rule contribute to the development of authoritarianism in Russia?

He created a personal police force to eliminate opposition. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did Russia's geography have on its governance?

It necessitated strong central control to manage vast territories. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors isolated Russia from European democratic developments?

The Mongol rule Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the outcomes of Ivan the Terrible's consolidation of power?

The destruction of institutions opposing his authority Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is least associated with the historical roots of authoritarianism in Russia?

Influence of Western democratic ideals Signup and view all the answers

What factor did NOT contribute to the authoritarian governance in Russia?

The establishment of citizens' rights Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the major factors contributing to the size difference between the Soviet Union and present-day Russia?

The independence of the 15 republics after the Soviet Union collapsed Signup and view all the answers

Which leader is associated with the creation of the Soviet Union in 1922?

Vladimir Lenin Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of Stalin's Great Purge?

Elimination of perceived enemies within the Communist Party Signup and view all the answers

What action did Khrushchev take in response to Stalin's policies?

Initiated the de-Stalinization process Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of Gorbachev's policies of Glasnost and Perestroika?

To reform the Soviet Union politically and economically Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes government involvement in civil society in the UK and Russia?

The UK encourages civil society while Russia is heavily involved. Signup and view all the answers

Which event is directly linked to Gorbachev's policies leading to the fall of the Berlin Wall?

The liberalization of Eastern Bloc nations Signup and view all the answers

What impact did Stalin's Five-Year Plans have on the Soviet economy?

Focused on industrialization and heavy industry Signup and view all the answers

What electoral system is predominantly used in the UK?

First past the post Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the consequences of Gorbachev's failure to use military force in Eastern Europe?

Rapid independence movements in Eastern Bloc countries Signup and view all the answers

How does the electoral system in Russia differ from that in the UK?

Russia has a mixed system with proportional representation. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant result of Gorbachev’s Perestroika?

Confusion between centralized control and market mechanisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the relative power of the Prime Minister in Russia compared to the UK?

The Prime Minister in Russia wields significant control over the government. Signup and view all the answers

Which leader initiated the policy known as de-Stalinization?

Nikita Khrushchev Signup and view all the answers

What is political socialization?

The development of individuals' political beliefs and behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the political party system in the UK?

It is dominated by a two-party system. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of civil society, how does Russia's involvement compare to that of the UK?

The UK allows more freedom in civil society compared to Russia. Signup and view all the answers

Which component is crucial for understanding the formation of party systems in different electoral contexts?

Electoral rules and systems Signup and view all the answers

What happens if no majority is obtained in the first election?

A run-off election occurs. Signup and view all the answers

How are the seats in the State Duma filled?

Half by political parties and half by individual candidates. Signup and view all the answers

Who appoints the members of the Federation Council?

Regional governors and legislatures. Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism allows the Duma to call for a vote of no confidence?

Parliamentary oversight. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a check on presidential power by the Duma?

Direct election of the president. Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred in the Duma's influence over time?

Its ability to challenge the president has declined. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the ceremonial roles of the House of Lords in relation to legislation?

To propose amendments and delays. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Duma exert control over the federal budget?

By directly setting the budget priorities of the government. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding regional and local elections?

Regions can either directly elect or appoint governors. Signup and view all the answers

What can media and public opinion effectively serve as in the context of government oversight?

Informal checks on the executive. Signup and view all the answers

Which party has historically dominated the Duma, impacting legislative power?

United Russia. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the challenges to the Duma's legislative authority?

Centralization of power under the executive. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable action taken by the Duma against presidential authority during Yeltsin's presidency?

They attempted to impeach him over the Chechen War. Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary factor that led to the fall of the Soviet Union?

Economic struggles and political reforms Signup and view all the answers

What role did Boris Yeltsin play after the failed coup in 1991?

He opposed the coup and became a key leader Signup and view all the answers

What type of government was established in Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union?

Managed democracy Signup and view all the answers

Which constitution emphasizes strong presidential powers in Russia?

1993 Constitution Signup and view all the answers

How was the Prime Minister of Russia appointed according to the 1993 Constitution?

Nominated by the President and approved by the State Duma Signup and view all the answers

What influence do the siloviki have in the Russian government?

They hold significant positions in security and intelligence Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Federation Council in Russia?

Representing regional interests Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the judiciary is limited in practice despite constitutional establishment?

Judicial independence Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Federal Security Service (FSB) in Russia?

Managing internal security and intelligence operations Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of the Russian government holds the most power as established by the 1993 Constitution?

Presidential Branch Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions can the President of Russia take without legislative approval?

Dissolve the State Duma Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key responsibilities of the State Duma?

Initiating votes of no confidence against the president Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of managed democracy as seen in Russia?

Centralization of power under the president Signup and view all the answers

What structural feature characterizes Russia's legislative system?

Bicameral legislature with federal laws only Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unit 2: Russia Test Review Sheet

Format:
- Multiple Choice Questions (15 questions, 1 point each)
- Short Answer Questions
  - Role of Russian authorities in political socialization (6 points)
  - Comparison of House of Commons (UK) to the Duma (Russia) (9 points)
    - Functions
    - Electoral systems
    - Why the House of Commons is more effective than the Duma in limiting executive power

Content

Review concepts to connect them.
- Example: How civil society relates to democratization in Russia
- Example: Comparison of Duma to the Federation Council
Topics and Questions to review in groups of three:
- Define terms and concepts, including examples.
- Use textbooks, notes, PowerPoint, and available resources.
- Ensure information aligns with class materials.

Group #1 (p. 363-376)

Historical Roots of Authoritarianism in Russia:
- Orthodox Christianity: Supported the Tsar as a divine representative, discouraging challenges to authority.
- Mongol Invasion: Introduced hierarchical governance, adopted by Russian leaders.
- Ivan the Terrible's Rule: Consolidated power as Tsar, destroyed opposition, established absolute control.
- Geography: Russia´s size needed strong central control for management and defense.
- Isolation from Europe: Limited exposure to democratic ideals.

Group #2 (p. 376-383)

Russia's Government Description:
- Authoritarian
- Centralized
- Dominant-party system
- Federal republic
- Managed democracy
1993 Constitution: Emphasizes strong presidential powers.
- Presidential powers: Appoint PM, issue decrees, dissolve Duma, direct foreign and defense policies.
- Legislative branch: Federal Assembly (State Duma and Federation Council).
- Judicial independence: Constitution establishes an independent judiciary.

Group #3 (p. 383-391)

Presidential Elections: First round, no majority = run-off election.
Duma Elections: Two types of elections:
- Proportional representation
  - Voters vote for a political party; percentage of national vote determines seat allocation
- Single-member constituencies
  - Voters select a specific candidate; candidate with the most votes wins

Group #4 (p. 391-397)

Civil Society Restrictions:
- Restrictive legislation (e.g. foreign agents law): Targets NGOs receiving foreign funding.
- Harassment of activists and independent groups.
- Control of public space with restrictions on protests.
- Limited political opposition.

Group #5 (p. 398-405)

Transition from Command to Market Economy:
- Challenges: Creating new institutions, economic instability (unemployment, inflation), and resistance from populations.
Shock therapy: Rapid market reforms (price deregulation, trade liberalization, privatization).
- Results: Hyperinflation, economic contraction, significant poverty.
Insider privatization: State-owned enterprises sold to managers and employees consolidating power.
Oligarchs: Powerful individuals who accumulated wealth in the 1990s through acquiring state assets.
Putin and oligarchs: Putin diminished oligarch influence, reasserted state control, rewarding loyalty.

General Information

Political Socialization
- The process of developing political values.
- Key agents include family, education, peers, media, religion and culture.
- Role of the Russian government in each category needs to be examined, especially given its significant influence (censorship, propaganda etc.)
House of Commons vs Duma:
- Functions, electoral systems, and the effectiveness of the institutions in limiting the executive power need to be contrasted.

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Description

Prepare for your upcoming unit test on Russia with this comprehensive review sheet. Cover key topics such as political socialization, a comparison of the Duma and the House of Commons, and the role of civil society in democratization. Utilize your textbooks and class materials to strengthen your understanding and performance on the test.