Russia Test Review Unit 2

A form of government in Russia where power is concentrated in the hands of a single person or a small group, with limited political freedom and opposition.

These are the historical events and circumstances that contributed to the development of authoritarianism in Russia.

The church supported the idea of the tsar as God's representative, strengthening centralized rule and discouraging challenges to authority.

Mongol rule isolated Russia from Europe and introduced a model of hierarchical, centralized governance that Russian leaders later adopted.

Ivan the Terrible consolidated power, destroyed institutions opposing his authority, created a personal police force, and established absolute control.

Russia's vast size required strong central control to manage and defend its territories.

Limited exposure to European ideas like democracy and individual rights during key European developments.

Compare the geographic boundaries and political systems of the Soviet Union and present-day Russia.

The Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) is a political party that advocates for state control of key industries, social welfare programs, and promotes nostalgia for the Soviet Union.

The Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) is known for its nationalist and populist stance, often employing inflammatory rhetoric and strong leadership figures like Vladimir Zhirinovsky.

A Just Russia – For Truth is a political party that combines social democratic ideals with patriotic messaging. They advocate for welfare policies and moderate opposition to the ruling United Russia party.

New People is a relatively new party that focuses on economic modernization, supporting small businesses and technological advancements. Their appeal lies in a modern approach to politics, aimed at younger, urban voters.

A 'loyal opposition' party is a political group that critiques the current government's policies and actions but ultimately supports the existing power structures. This type of party often serves as a counterbalance to the ruling power, providing an outlet for dissenting voices while maintaining the overall stability of the system.

The process where individuals develop their political beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors.

The UK government encourages and supports civil society, but it is largely free and independent.

The Russian government heavily interferes in civil society, exercising significant control over it.

The UK uses a first-past-the-post system, which is also called a single-member district system. This system encourages two dominant parties.

Russia has a mixed electoral system, combining aspects of single-member districts and proportional representation. This system allows for a greater number of parties represented.

The UK Prime Minister holds a significant amount of power, as the head of both the government and the legislature.

The Russian President holds the most power, even controlling the government's influence over civil society.

Russian authorities heavily influence the development of political beliefs and attitudes among citizens. This involves shaping public opinion and controlling access to information.

The lower house of the Russian Federal Assembly, responsible for passing laws and overseeing the government.

The upper house of the Russian Federal Assembly, representing regional interests.

A voting system where the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they get a majority.

A voting system where the number of seats a party gets in parliament is proportional to the percentage of votes they receive.

The process of the legislature scrutinizing the executive branch to ensure accountability and good governance.

A vote by the legislature to remove the government from power, usually triggered by a lack of support or public disapproval.

The power of the courts to review and invalidate laws or government actions that are inconsistent with the constitution or other laws.

The Duma has mechanisms to limit presidential power via legislative oversight, budget control, and impeachment attempts.

The Duma has historically rejected presidential appointments, limited decrees, attempted impeachment, and exercised budget oversight.

The Duma's ability to limit presidential power is constrained by the dominance of pro-presidential parties, centralization of power, and opposition-weakening strategies.

While the Duma had more influence in the 1990s, its ability to challenge the president has significantly declined.

A pro-presidential party that has dominated the Duma, contributing to the decline of the Duma's check on presidential power.

The concentration of power in the hands of the president, limiting the effectiveness of checks and balances.

Tactics employed to limit the influence of parties and individuals opposed to the president.

A policy introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s aimed at restructuring the Soviet economy and political system. It allowed for some economic reforms and greater transparency.

A policy introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s aimed at promoting openness and transparency in the Soviet Union. It allowed for more freedom of speech and press.

The President of the Russian Republic who opposed the 1991 coup attempt against the Soviet government. He became a key leader in the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the first President of the Russian Federation.

Growing nationalism in the republics of the USSR, especially in the Baltic states, led to calls for independence and ultimately contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union. Each republic wanted its own identity and autonomy.

Hardliners within the Soviet government attempted a coup in 1991 to seize control of the government and prevent further reforms. The coup failed, but it further destabilized the country and led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

This term describes a system where one party holds the most power and influence, limiting the participation and representation of other political parties.

The 1993 Constitution of Russia established a strong presidential system with significant power concentrated in the hands of the President, giving them authority over the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

The President of Russia has the power to appoint the Prime Minister, issue decrees with the force of law, dissolve the State Duma, and direct foreign and defense policies as the Commander-in-Chief.

The lower house of the Russian Federal Assembly, responsible for proposing and passing laws, approving the Prime Minister, and initiating votes of no confidence against the government.

The upper house of the Russian Federal Assembly, representing regional interests, reviewing federal laws, ratifying military actions abroad, approving judicial appointments, and overseeing regional-federal relations.

The Russian judicial system includes the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and other federal courts with the power to review laws and executive actions for constitutional compliance.

The FSB, successor to the KGB, is responsible for internal security, counterintelligence, and economic oversight. It is a powerful intelligence agency, but its actions can be controversial.

High-ranking officials with backgrounds in security, military, or intelligence services, collectively known as 'siloviki', hold significant influence in the Russian government.

The State Council is an advisory body to the President, composed of regional leaders, senior officials, and experts. It advises the president but lacks any legislative power.

The Prime Minister in Russia is nominated by the President and approved by the State Duma. They implement policy, but are subordinate to the President and lack independent authority.

While the State Duma can initiate votes of no confidence against the government, they are rarely successful due to the dominant position of the President and the system of checks and balances.

The Soviet Union was a much larger country than present-day Russia. It included 15 republics like Ukraine and the Baltic States, which became independent after its collapse in 1991. Russia is now a smaller country with only its current borders.

Vladimir Lenin played a key role in establishing the Soviet Union by uniting several republics under a single government. He also adapted Marxist theory to fit Russian conditions, creating Leninism.

Stalin implemented aggressive Five-Year Plans to rapidly industrialize the Soviet economy, focusing on heavy industry and infrastructure.

Stalin's Great Purge targeted perceived enemies within the Communist Party by conducting mass arrests, executions, and sending people to labor camps.

Khrushchev relaxed political repression and censorship, releasing many political prisoners. He also oversaw important achievements in the Soviet space race.

Khrushchev's placement of Soviet missiles in Cuba led to a tense confrontation with the United States.

Gorbachev implemented Glasnost (openness) and Perestroika (transparency) to reform the Soviet Union politically, socially, and economically.

Gorbachev's policies, especially Glasnost and Perestroika, weakened the Communist Party's control, leading to a collapse of the Soviet Union and the creation of independent republics.

The Soviet Union broke up in 1991, leading to the creation of independent republics like Ukraine and the Baltic States. Russia became a much smaller country.

Gorbachev's policies of Glasnost and Perestroika weakened the Communist Party's authority and led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact.