Unit 2: Russia Test

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Questions and Answers

What triggered the First Chechen War?

Russian economic sanctions against Chechnya

Chechnya's demand for greater autonomy

Chechnya declared independence after the fall of the Soviet Union (correct)

Military incursions by Chechen rebels into Russia

Who was the President of Russia during the First Chechen War?

Mikhail Gorbachev

Boris Yeltsin (correct)

Dmitry Medvedev

Vladimir Putin

What was a major outcome of the First Chechen War?

The war ended with a ceasefire and de facto independence for Chechnya (correct)

The Chechen rebels gained control over Moscow

Chechnya achieved full independence from Russia

Chechnya was integrated into Russia's federal system

What prompted the Second Chechen War?

The rise of Islamist extremism and insurgent attacks in Chechnya Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the Second Chechen War?

Chechnya came under direct Russian control despite heavy destruction Signup and view all the answers

Who became the leader of Chechnya in 2007?

Ramzan Kadyrov Signup and view all the answers

What approach has Kadyrov taken in maintaining stability in Chechnya?

Granting autonomy in exchange for loyalty to Moscow Signup and view all the answers

What was the humanitarian impact of the Second Chechen War?

Tens of thousands of civilians were displaced and killed Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the State Duma in Russia?

To draft and vote on laws and approve the Prime Minister Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the legislative power of the Federal Assembly in Russia?

It acts mainly as a legislative arm of the executive branch Signup and view all the answers

Which chamber of the Russian legislature reviews laws and addresses constitutional amendments?

Federation Council Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant issue undermining the rule of law in Russia?

Executive dominance and selective enforcement Signup and view all the answers

Who is the Chairperson of the Federation Council?

Valentina Matviyenko Signup and view all the answers

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

A run-off election is conducted Signup and view all the answers

How many members does the State Duma consist of?

450 Signup and view all the answers

What is a noted challenge to judicial review in Russia?

The limitation of selective use Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to the historical roots of authoritarianism in Russia by reinforcing centralized rule?

Orthodox Christianity’s support of the tsar Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of the Mongol rule influenced Russian governance?

Model of hierarchical, centralized governance Signup and view all the answers

Which action did Ivan the Terrible take to consolidate power?

Created a personal police force (oprichnina) Signup and view all the answers

What was a result of Russia's geographic characteristics?

Need for strong central control to manage territories Signup and view all the answers

How did isolation from Europe impact Russia during historical developments?

Limited exposure to ideas like democracy and individual rights Signup and view all the answers

Which institution in Russia was affected by Ivan the Terrible's consolidation of power?

The aristocracy Signup and view all the answers

What historical event is associated with isolating Russia from Europe and shaping its governance?

The Mongol Invasion Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the Duma compared to other political entities is correct?

The Duma holds more power than the Federation Council. Signup and view all the answers

What is asymmetric federalism?

A system in which regions have different degrees of autonomy. Signup and view all the answers

How did Putin reduce regional autonomy in Russia?

By abolishing regional presidencies and centralizing power. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the 'parties of power' in Russia?

They are closely aligned with the federal government. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant feature of United Russia?

It strongly backs President Vladimir Putin and emphasizes centralized power. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the political structure in Russia under Putin?

It has transformed into a highly centralized system limiting regional influences. Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to a political party that aligns closely with the federal branch of government in Russia?

Party of Power. Signup and view all the answers

Which action taken by Putin illustrates the suppression of regional movements?

Branding regional independence movements as separatism. Signup and view all the answers

What ideology does United Russia primarily represent?

Conservative and nationalist principles. Signup and view all the answers

What was Boris Yeltsin's role during the fall of the Soviet Union?

He was a key leader opposing the 1991 coup. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the powers emphasized in Russia's 1993 Constitution?

Presidential powers are strong. Signup and view all the answers

Which body is responsible for appointing the Prime Minister in Russia?

The President Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Federal Security Service (FSB) play in the Russian government?

Conducts internal security and counterintelligence. Signup and view all the answers

What function does the State Council serve in Russia?

It advises the president. Signup and view all the answers

Which chamber of the Federal Assembly can initiate votes of no confidence against the government?

State Duma Signup and view all the answers

What led to Yeltsin becoming the first President of the Russian Federation?

His role in opposing the 1991 coup. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the current Russian government's system?

Dominant-party system with authoritarian elements. Signup and view all the answers

In practice, how has judicial independence been affected in Russia despite constitutional provisions?

It is limited by executive influence. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Prime Minister in the Russian government structure?

Subordinate to the President and implements policy. Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant event concerning the Soviet Union that happened on December 25, 1991?

The lowering of the Soviet flag. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the Federation Council in Russia?

To ratify military usage abroad. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the siloviki in the Russian political system?

They have significant influence due to their backgrounds. Signup and view all the answers

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

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

What voting system is used to fill half of the seats in the State Duma elections?

Proportional representation. Signup and view all the answers

How are the members of the Federation Council typically chosen?

They are appointed by regional governors and legislatures. Signup and view all the answers

What role does judicial review play in the system described?

It can review executive actions for compliance with the law. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a way the Duma has checked presidential power?

Rejecting key presidential appointments. Signup and view all the answers

What is one limitation on the Duma's power mentioned in the content?

The dominance of pro-presidential parties. Signup and view all the answers

What has significantly reduced the Duma's ability to challenge the president in recent years?

Centralization of power under leaders like Vladimir Putin. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the checks on the executive power mentioned for the House of Lords?

It can delay or suggest amendments to legislation. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor has contributed to the Duma's resistance to constitutional amendments?

Assertion of legislative authority. Signup and view all the answers

What ability is highlighted about the Duma in terms of budget oversight?

It controls the federal budget. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events demonstrates an attempt by the Duma to impeach a president?

Impeachment efforts in 1999. Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism allows the House of Commons to remove a government?

Vote of No Confidence. Signup and view all the answers

What influence does media and public opinion have on the executive?

They serve as informal checks on the executive. Signup and view all the answers

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.

1993 Constitution: Emphasizes strong presidential powers, including the ability to appoint the Prime Minister, issue decrees, and dissolve the State Duma.
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.
Judicial Branch: (Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and other federal courts) responsible for reviewing laws, and resolving disputes, although executive influence limits judicial independence.
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:

United Russia: A significant, pro-government party that dominates Russian politics.
Communist Party: Represents communist ideals, supporting state control of industries, social welfare programs, and Soviet nostalgia, and appeals to older generations and rural Russians.
Liberal Democrats (LDPR): Known for nationalist populist rhetoric and charismatic leadership advocating for expansionist policies.
A Just Russia - For Truth: Hybrid social-democratic/leftist nationalist party; supports welfare, and moderate criticism of United Russia.
New People: Focus on economic modernization, small businesses, and technology.
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.