Conversational topic: Russia’s Political System

The Russian Federation is set up by the Constitution of 1993.

Under the Constitution, Russia is a Presidential Republic. The President is the head of the state. He is elected by popular vote for a six-year term, and has the right to be elected for two terms. The Russian Federation is fundamentally structured as a multi-party representative democracy, with the federal government composed of three branches: legislative, executive and judicial. Each of them is checked and balanced by the President.

The legislative power is vested in the Federal Assembly. It consists of two chambers. The Upper Chamber is the Council of Federation. The Lower Chamber is the State Duma. Federal Assembly, adopts federal law, declares war, approves treaties, and has the power of impeachment of the President. Each Chamber is headed by the Chairman. Legislature is initiated in the Lower Chambers. But to become a law a bill must be approved by both Chambers and signed by the President. He may also veto the bill.

The President is commander-in-chief of the armed forces; he makes treaties, enforces laws, and appoints ministers to be approved by the State Duma.

The executive power belongs to the Government which is headed by the Prime Minister. The first action of the Prime Minister on appointment is to form the cabinet. Ministers of the government are appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

The judicial branch is represented by the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, Supreme Court of Arbitration and regional courts. The judicial branch has a function of control.

Leading political parties in Russia include United Russia, the Communist Party, the Liberal Democratic Party, and Fair Russia.

Words to remember

1. belong to- принадлежать

2. to be represented – быть представленным

3. chamber- палата

4. to approve- одобрить

5. to veto- наложить запрет

6. to become- становиться

7. to appoint- назначать

8. popular vote- всенародное голосование

1. Answer the questions.

1. What is the Russian Federation?

2. Where is it situated?

3. What countries does Russia border on?

4. What is the total area of our country?

5. What are the state symbols of Russia?

6. What do you know about the National Emblem and the Flag?

7. Russia is the country of contrasts, isn’t it? Prove it.

8. What is the climate like in Russia?

9. What can you say about the rivers and lakes in Russia?

10. What mountain chain separates Europe from Asia?

11. Is our country rich in mineral resources? What are they?

12. What can you say about other natural resources?

13. What industries are well developed in Russia?

14. What kind of state is the Russian Federation?

15. What is the legislative power vested in?

16. What is the function of the executive power?

17. What can you say about the President´s functions?

2. Read the text.

Peter the Great enjoyed boundless power. He ruled the country with the help of a large body of officials which was selected from the nobles.

It was impossible to govern the country and command the army and navy without educated people. At the orders of Peter the Great schools were started to teach the children of the nobility mathematics, the handing of ships and artillery, medicine and foreign languages. Some people were sent to continue their education in Britain, Holland or France. The tsar liked to promote capable and gifted people from other classes as well.

Commerce and trade with other countries developed. Russia began to have a greater influence on international affairs. Our country came to be known as the Russian Empire.

All the new changes in the country were ordered by Peter the Great and he himself took a hand in carrying them out. In many respects he was very unlike other tsars who had ruled Russia before him. He was an outstanding statesman and a brilliant military leader who took part in many battles on land and sea. He was well educated for those times, having a good knowledge of mathematics, artillery and ships. He was also a good turner, carpenter, locksmith and blacksmith. Still, he was an aristocratic ruler. He was often rough and cruel.

Many thousands of serfs were forced to work at factories, dig canals and build cities. They were also forced to serve in the army. The peasant serfs, poor townspeople and oppressed peoples rebelled time and again.

What do you think about the role of Peter the Great for the development of our country? Give a reason for your opinion. Compose the dialogues about modern political figures; compare them with Peter the Great.

3. Speak about Russia according to the following plan.

1. Geographical position.

2. State symbols.

3. Russia’s climate and nature.

4. Natural resources.

5. Industry.

6. Political set-up.