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Questions and Answers
What triggered the First Chechen War?
What triggered the First Chechen War?
Who was the President of Russia during the First Chechen War?
Who was the President of Russia during the First Chechen War?
What was a major outcome of the First Chechen War?
What was a major outcome of the First Chechen War?
What prompted the Second Chechen War?
What prompted the Second Chechen War?
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What was a significant consequence of the Second Chechen War?
What was a significant consequence of the Second Chechen War?
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Who became the leader of Chechnya in 2007?
Who became the leader of Chechnya in 2007?
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What approach has Kadyrov taken in maintaining stability in Chechnya?
What approach has Kadyrov taken in maintaining stability in Chechnya?
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What was the humanitarian impact of the Second Chechen War?
What was the humanitarian impact of the Second Chechen War?
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What is the primary function of the State Duma in Russia?
What is the primary function of the State Duma in Russia?
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What characterizes the legislative power of the Federal Assembly in Russia?
What characterizes the legislative power of the Federal Assembly in Russia?
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Which chamber of the Russian legislature reviews laws and addresses constitutional amendments?
Which chamber of the Russian legislature reviews laws and addresses constitutional amendments?
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What is a significant issue undermining the rule of law in Russia?
What is a significant issue undermining the rule of law in Russia?
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Who is the Chairperson of the Federation Council?
Who is the Chairperson of the Federation Council?
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What happens if no majority is obtained in the first presidential election in Russia?
What happens if no majority is obtained in the first presidential election in Russia?
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How many members does the State Duma consist of?
How many members does the State Duma consist of?
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What is a noted challenge to judicial review in Russia?
What is a noted challenge to judicial review in Russia?
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Which factor contributed to the historical roots of authoritarianism in Russia by reinforcing centralized rule?
Which factor contributed to the historical roots of authoritarianism in Russia by reinforcing centralized rule?
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What characteristic of the Mongol rule influenced Russian governance?
What characteristic of the Mongol rule influenced Russian governance?
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Which action did Ivan the Terrible take to consolidate power?
Which action did Ivan the Terrible take to consolidate power?
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What was a result of Russia's geographic characteristics?
What was a result of Russia's geographic characteristics?
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How did isolation from Europe impact Russia during historical developments?
How did isolation from Europe impact Russia during historical developments?
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Which institution in Russia was affected by Ivan the Terrible's consolidation of power?
Which institution in Russia was affected by Ivan the Terrible's consolidation of power?
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What historical event is associated with isolating Russia from Europe and shaping its governance?
What historical event is associated with isolating Russia from Europe and shaping its governance?
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Which statement about the Duma compared to other political entities is correct?
Which statement about the Duma compared to other political entities is correct?
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What is asymmetric federalism?
What is asymmetric federalism?
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How did Putin reduce regional autonomy in Russia?
How did Putin reduce regional autonomy in Russia?
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What characterizes the 'parties of power' in Russia?
What characterizes the 'parties of power' in Russia?
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What is a significant feature of United Russia?
What is a significant feature of United Russia?
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Which statement best describes the political structure in Russia under Putin?
Which statement best describes the political structure in Russia under Putin?
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What term refers to a political party that aligns closely with the federal branch of government in Russia?
What term refers to a political party that aligns closely with the federal branch of government in Russia?
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Which action taken by Putin illustrates the suppression of regional movements?
Which action taken by Putin illustrates the suppression of regional movements?
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What ideology does United Russia primarily represent?
What ideology does United Russia primarily represent?
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What was Boris Yeltsin's role during the fall of the Soviet Union?
What was Boris Yeltsin's role during the fall of the Soviet Union?
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Which of the following best describes the powers emphasized in Russia's 1993 Constitution?
Which of the following best describes the powers emphasized in Russia's 1993 Constitution?
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Which body is responsible for appointing the Prime Minister in Russia?
Which body is responsible for appointing the Prime Minister in Russia?
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What role does the Federal Security Service (FSB) play in the Russian government?
What role does the Federal Security Service (FSB) play in the Russian government?
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What function does the State Council serve in Russia?
What function does the State Council serve in Russia?
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Which chamber of the Federal Assembly can initiate votes of no confidence against the government?
Which chamber of the Federal Assembly can initiate votes of no confidence against the government?
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What led to Yeltsin becoming the first President of the Russian Federation?
What led to Yeltsin becoming the first President of the Russian Federation?
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What characterizes the current Russian government's system?
What characterizes the current Russian government's system?
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In practice, how has judicial independence been affected in Russia despite constitutional provisions?
In practice, how has judicial independence been affected in Russia despite constitutional provisions?
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What is the role of the Prime Minister in the Russian government structure?
What is the role of the Prime Minister in the Russian government structure?
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What was one significant event concerning the Soviet Union that happened on December 25, 1991?
What was one significant event concerning the Soviet Union that happened on December 25, 1991?
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What is a primary function of the Federation Council in Russia?
What is a primary function of the Federation Council in Russia?
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Which of the following is true about the siloviki in the Russian political system?
Which of the following is true about the siloviki in the Russian political system?
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What happens if no majority is obtained in the first election?
What happens if no majority is obtained in the first election?
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What voting system is used to fill half of the seats in the State Duma elections?
What voting system is used to fill half of the seats in the State Duma elections?
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How are the members of the Federation Council typically chosen?
How are the members of the Federation Council typically chosen?
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What role does judicial review play in the system described?
What role does judicial review play in the system described?
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Which of the following represents a way the Duma has checked presidential power?
Which of the following represents a way the Duma has checked presidential power?
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What is one limitation on the Duma's power mentioned in the content?
What is one limitation on the Duma's power mentioned in the content?
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What has significantly reduced the Duma's ability to challenge the president in recent years?
What has significantly reduced the Duma's ability to challenge the president in recent years?
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What is one of the checks on the executive power mentioned for the House of Lords?
What is one of the checks on the executive power mentioned for the House of Lords?
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Which factor has contributed to the Duma's resistance to constitutional amendments?
Which factor has contributed to the Duma's resistance to constitutional amendments?
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What ability is highlighted about the Duma in terms of budget oversight?
What ability is highlighted about the Duma in terms of budget oversight?
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Which of the following events demonstrates an attempt by the Duma to impeach a president?
Which of the following events demonstrates an attempt by the Duma to impeach a president?
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What mechanism allows the House of Commons to remove a government?
What mechanism allows the House of Commons to remove a government?
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What influence does media and public opinion have on the executive?
What influence does media and public opinion have on the executive?
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Flashcards
Orthodox Christianity's Role
Orthodox Christianity's Role
The Orthodox Church reinforced the concept of the Tsar as God's representative on Earth, bolstering centralized rule and discouraging challenges to authority.
Mongol Invasion Impact
Mongol Invasion Impact
The Mongol invasion isolated Russia from Europe and introduced a hierarchical, centralized governance model, which Russian leaders adopted later.
Ivan the Terrible's Actions
Ivan the Terrible's Actions
Ivan the Terrible consolidated power in Moscow, declared himself Tsar, destroyed opposition institutions, created a personal police force, and established absolute control over land.
Geographic Influence on Russia
Geographic Influence on Russia
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Russian Isolation from Europe
Russian Isolation from Europe
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Historical Roots of Authoritarianism
Historical Roots of Authoritarianism
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Soviet Union Map
Soviet Union Map
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Present Day Russia Map
Present Day Russia Map
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State Duma
State Duma
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Federation Council
Federation Council
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Presidential Influence on State Duma
Presidential Influence on State Duma
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Judicial Review in Russia
Judicial Review in Russia
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Challenges to the Rule of Law in Russia
Challenges to the Rule of Law in Russia
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Constitutional Court of Russia
Constitutional Court of Russia
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Presidential Elections in Russia
Presidential Elections in Russia
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State Duma Elections
State Duma Elections
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Asymmetric Federalism
Asymmetric Federalism
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How Putin Reduced Regional Autonomy?
How Putin Reduced Regional Autonomy?
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Parties of Power
Parties of Power
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United Russia's Political Compass
United Russia's Political Compass
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Facade of Multi-Party System?
Facade of Multi-Party System?
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United Russia's Key Goals
United Russia's Key Goals
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United Russia's Role in Politics
United Russia's Role in Politics
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United Russia's Ideology
United Russia's Ideology
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First Chechen War
First Chechen War
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Second Chechen War
Second Chechen War
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Ramzan Kadyrov
Ramzan Kadyrov
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Chechen Independence Movement
Chechen Independence Movement
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Impact of Chechen Wars
Impact of Chechen Wars
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Russian Control of Chechnya
Russian Control of Chechnya
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Autonomy in Chechnya
Autonomy in Chechnya
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Impact of Kadyrov's Rule
Impact of Kadyrov's Rule
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Yeltsin's Role
Yeltsin's Role
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Soviet Union's Fall
Soviet Union's Fall
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Perestroika and Glasnost
Perestroika and Glasnost
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Russia's Government
Russia's Government
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1993 Constitution: Power Emphasis
1993 Constitution: Power Emphasis
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Legislative Branch: Federal Assembly
Legislative Branch: Federal Assembly
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Judicial Independence?
Judicial Independence?
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President's Power
President's Power
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FSB: Internal Security
FSB: Internal Security
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Siloviki: Ex-Security Officials
Siloviki: Ex-Security Officials
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State Council: Advisory
State Council: Advisory
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Prime Minister: Subordinate
Prime Minister: Subordinate
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Duma: Lower House
Duma: Lower House
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Federation Council: Upper House
Federation Council: Upper House
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Russia's Bicameral Legislature
Russia's Bicameral Legislature
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Power Dynamics in Russia
Power Dynamics in Russia
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Proportional Representation
Proportional Representation
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Majority Voting
Majority Voting
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Parliamentary Oversight
Parliamentary Oversight
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Vote of No Confidence
Vote of No Confidence
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Judicial Review
Judicial Review
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House of Lords
House of Lords
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Duma's Limitation: Dominance of Pro-Presidential Parties
Duma's Limitation: Dominance of Pro-Presidential Parties
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Duma's Limitation: Centralization of Power Under Putin
Duma's Limitation: Centralization of Power Under Putin
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Duma's Limitation: Strategies Weakening Opposition Influence
Duma's Limitation: Strategies Weakening Opposition Influence
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How has the Duma's ability to check presidential power changed over time?
How has the Duma's ability to check presidential power changed over time?
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Example of Duma Checking Presidential Power: Rejection of Appointments
Example of Duma Checking Presidential Power: Rejection of Appointments
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Example of Duma Checking Presidential Power: Limiting Decrees
Example of Duma Checking Presidential Power: Limiting Decrees
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Example of Duma Checking Presidential Power: Impeachment Attempts
Example of Duma Checking Presidential Power: Impeachment Attempts
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Study Notes
Unit 2: Russia Test (30 pts)
- Review period: 7th period: Thursday, December 5th; 8th period: Wednesday, December 5th
- Format: Multiple Choice (15 questions, 1 point each); Short Answer Questions
I. Format
- Multiple Choice: 15 questions worth 1 point each
- Short Answer: Questions focusing on the role of Russian authorities in political socialization (6 points) and a comparison of the UK House of Commons to the Russian Duma (9 points)
II. Content
- Concepts Connection: Analyze how concepts, such as the level of civil society, relate to democratization in Russia and how political entities compare to each other (e.g., Duma vs. Federation Council).
- Review Topics: Work in groups of three, selecting a color of the rainbow. Define terms and research the concepts using textbooks, notes, PowerPoints, and additional resources. Verify the accuracy and relevance of ChatGPT information.
1. What are the historical roots of authoritarianism in Russia?
- Orthodox Christianity: The church supported the Tsar as God's representative, strengthening centralized rule and discouraging challenges to authority.
- Mongol Invasion: Mongol rule introduced a hierarchical, centralized governance model adopted by Russian leaders.
- Ivan the Terrible's Rule: Consolidated power as the first Tsar, destroyed opposing institutions, created a personal police force, and established absolute control over land and aristocracy.
- Geography: Russia's vast size demanded strong central control for management and defense.
- Isolation from Europe: Limited exposure to democratic and individual rights ideas during key European developments.
2. Add two maps: 1 of the Soviet Union and 1 of present-day Russia. Then, explain the differences in a few sentences.
- The Soviet Union was significantly larger than present-day Russia. It encompassed numerous republics like Ukraine, Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania), and Central Asian countries (such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan). Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, these regions became independent states, leaving Russia with its current smaller borders.
3. Provide a summary of each leader's contributions to the development (or unraveling) of the Soviet state.
- Vladimir Lenin: Created the Soviet Union, adapting Marxist theory, suppressing opposition, and establishing Five-Year Plans for rapid industrialization.
- Joseph Stalin: Implemented aggressive Five-Year Plans, focusing on heavy industry and infrastructure; executed a Great Purge (1936-1938) targeting perceived enemies.
- Nikita Khrushchev: Implemented de-Stalinization, relaxing political repression and censorship; oversaw Soviet achievements in the space race.
- Mikhail Gorbachev: Implemented Glasnost (openness) and Perestroika (transparency) to reform the Soviet Union politically and economically; the reforms weakened the Communist Party and led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union with many Eastern Bloc countries declaring independence.
Russia's Government and Political Institutions.
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1993 Constitution: Emphasizes strong presidential powers, including the ability to appoint the Prime Minister, issue decrees, and dissolve the State Duma.
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Legislative Branch: Consists of the Federal Assembly (State Duma and Federation Council), responsible for lawmaking, reviewing laws, approving presidential appointments to the judiciary and overseeing regional relations.
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Judicial Branch: (Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and other federal courts) responsible for reviewing laws, and resolving disputes, although executive influence limits judicial independence.
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President: Dominant figure, controls foreign policy and security. A major actor in Russian government.
Electoral Systems
Proportional Representation (225 seats): Voters select a political party (minimum 5% threshold).
Single-Member Constituencies (225 seats): Voters select a specific candidate in their local district.
The single member district winner receives the seat.
Methods like "first-past-the-post" are employed where only the candidate with the most votes is elected, regardless of whether they achieve an absolute majority.
Political Parties:
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United Russia: A significant, pro-government party that dominates Russian politics.
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Communist Party: Represents communist ideals, supporting state control of industries, social welfare programs, and Soviet nostalgia, and appeals to older generations and rural Russians.
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Liberal Democrats (LDPR): Known for nationalist populist rhetoric and charismatic leadership advocating for expansionist policies.
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A Just Russia - For Truth: Hybrid social-democratic/leftist nationalist party; supports welfare, and moderate criticism of United Russia.
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New People: Focus on economic modernization, small businesses, and technology.
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Yabloko (Founded 1993) A liberal party that advocated for democratic reforms and civil liberties. It appeals to intellectuals and urban progressives but has had limited success.
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Description
This quiz assesses your understanding of Russian political structures and socialization processes. It includes multiple-choice questions and short answer prompts focusing on the Duma, Federation Council, and the historical roots of authoritarianism in Russia. Prepare thoroughly using class notes and additional resources.