Russia flashcards

All 20 cards

1. Card 1

   How does the Russian presidential election system ensure a clear majority for the elected candidate?

   The Russian presidential election system employs a two-ballot system. A candidate must secure 50% plus one vote to be elected. If no candidate achieves this in the first round, the two top vote-getters proceed to a run-off election to determine the winner.

2. Card 2

   DEFINITION: Define the primary responsibility of the Prime Minister and the cabinet in the Russian government.

   The Prime Minister and the cabinet are primarily responsible for the day-to-day administration of the country. They supervise ministries that are not under the direct control of the president.

3. Card 3

   Explain the process by which the Russian President appoints the Prime Minister and the potential consequences if the State Duma repeatedly rejects the nomination.

   The President appoints the Prime Minister with the approval of the State Duma. If the nominated Prime Minister is rejected twice by the Duma, the President is then required to call for fresh elections.

4. Card 4

   DEFINITION: Distinguish between the roles of the Federation Council and the State Duma within the Russian Parliament.

   The Federation Council is the upper house, serving local interests and acting as a guarantor of the constitution, with powers to reject presidential appointments and declare war. The State Duma is the lower and more powerful house, with the ability to censure the Prime Minister and pass votes of no confidence.

5. Card 5

   How does the Russian President's power to issue decrees impact the legislative process or governance?

   The President's power to issue decrees allows them to enact legally binding orders without direct parliamentary approval, providing a significant tool for direct executive action and influencing governance outside of traditional legislative channels.

6. Card 6

   DEFINITION: What is the significance of the Federal Constitutional Court in the Russian judicial system?

   The Federal Constitutional Court is the highest court in Russia, consisting of 19 members. It has the power of judicial review, ensuring that laws and presidential decrees comply with the Constitution.

7. Card 7

   Describe the checks and balances related to the Prime Minister's position regarding the President and the Legislature in Russia.

   The Prime Minister serves at the pleasure of the President but can be censured by the legislature. Continuous votes of no confidence from the State Duma can lead to the Prime Minister's dismissal by the President, illustrating a balance between executive appointment and legislative oversight.

8. Card 8

   DEFINITION: What was the primary characteristic of Nikita Khrushchev's leadership in Russia following Stalin's era?

   Nikita Khrushchev's leadership was characterized by a period of de-Stalinization and relaxation. This included the removal of Stalin's body from Lenin's mausoleum and the publication of critical warnings against Stalin's rule.

9. Card 9

   How does the Federation Council's role as a 'guarantor of the constitution' manifest in its legislative duties?

   As a guarantor of the constitution, the Federation Council reviews legislation from the Duma. If it rejects legislation, it sends it back to the Duma, requiring both houses to reach a compromise, thereby ensuring constitutional adherence and protecting local interests.

10. Card 10

    DEFINITION: What specific powers does the Russian President hold regarding defense, foreign affairs, and internal security?

    The Russian President is in charge of defense, foreign affairs, interior, the FSB (Federal Security Service), and the KGB (historically, now its successor agencies), demonstrating comprehensive control over national security and international relations.

11. Card 11

    Explain how a vote of no confidence in the State Duma can ultimately affect the Prime Minister's tenure.

    The State Duma has the power to pass a vote of no confidence on the Prime Minister's government. While a single vote doesn't automatically dismiss the Prime Minister, continuous votes of no confidence can lead to the President's decision to dismiss the Prime Minister.

12. Card 12

    DEFINITION: What is meant by Russia being a 'semi-presidential and semi-parliamentary political system'?

    This designation means that Russia combines elements of both presidential and parliamentary systems. The president holds significant executive power, while a prime minister and cabinet are responsible to the parliament for day-to-day administration.

13. Card 13

    Discuss the implications of the Russian President's power to dissolve the State Duma.

    The President's power to dissolve the State Duma provides a significant executive check on the legislature. This power can be used to resolve political stalemates or to consolidate presidential authority, potentially leading to fresh elections.

14. Card 14

    DEFINITION: What was Stalin's role in the spread of communism globally in the mid-1920s?

    Stalin played an authoritarian role in launching world communism in the mid-1920s. Through his efforts, communist regimes emerged in Eastern Europe, North Korea, Indochina, Cuba, and Africa, and he assisted the Leninist China communist party.

15. Card 15

    How does the Russian judicial system uphold the 'rule of law' through its highest court?

    The Russian judicial system upholds the 'rule of law' through the Federal Constitutional Court, which has the power of judicial review. This allows it to ensure that all laws and governmental actions comply with the constitution, thus maintaining legal supremacy.

16. Card 16

    DEFINITION: What is the term length for members of the Federation Council, and what interests do they primarily serve?

    Members of the Federation Council serve for four years. They primarily serve the local interests of the districts they represent, acting as a voice for regional concerns within the national legislature.

17. Card 17

    Explain why loyalty to the president and being a career bureaucrat are considered important qualifications for the Russian Prime Minister.

    Loyalty to the president and being a career bureaucrat are important qualifications because the Prime Minister serves at the pleasure of the president. This ensures administrative efficiency and alignment with the president's agenda, rather than necessarily representing a majority party.

18. Card 18

    DEFINITION: What is the maximum number of terms a Russian President can serve, and what is the length of each term?

    A Russian President serves a six-year term and may be reelected for another six-year term. After serving two consecutive terms, they cannot stand for the office again immediately.

19. Card 19

    How does Russia's status as a permanent member of the UN Security Council with veto power impact its foreign relations?

    Russia's permanent membership and veto power in the UN Security Council grant it significant influence over international peace and security decisions. This allows it to block resolutions it deems contrary to its national interests, shaping global foreign relations.

20. Card 20

    DEFINITION: What historical event under Stalin's rule led to the deaths of approximately 35 million Soviets?

    Under Stalin's rule, the 'Great Purges' were a series of campaigns of political repression and persecution. These, along with other policies, led to the deaths of approximately 35 million Soviets.

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