After the end of the monarchy, the Communist Party upheld the reins of Russia. During the USSR, the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) was united under the leadership of Viladimir Lenin. Under the Constitution of the USSR, Individual rights and legal laws were subordinate to the mutual interest of the society and to the ideology of Communism respectively. Moreover, CPSU was powerful enough to challenge and influence constitutional-defined state institutes, particularly the Judiciary.
The major reason behind the collapse of the USSR;
Centralized
Public awareness
Role of the Communist Party
Socio-economic crisis
Cold war - Conflict with Capital Block (united, wealthy and powerful)
Current Russian Constitution was ratified on 12.12.1993 and enforced on 25.12.1993. The Constitution has incorporated human rights i.e. liberty and freedom, which are universally recognised and endorsed by International law. Moreover, the independent judiciary is the custodian of the Constitution.
Russian parliament consists on two chambers:
Upper House (Federation Council): Each provincial assembly sends two senators (170 seats), with a 5 years term. One senator is elected by the provincial assembly and the other nominated by the governor and elected with the approval of the provincial legislature. All matters concerning the provinces are subject to the approval of the Federation Council. The Russian Armed Force has to obtain approval of the Upper House for an outside fight.
Lower House (State Duma): Russia is divided into 450 constituencies, each sending one member (deputy) for the House for a 5 year term. It is more powerful than the Upper House. The State Duma is more powerful than the Federation Council.
Law making process: A bill can be initiated by either House, or President, or the states, or the Supreme Court. Then it is reviewed in the State Duma. The State Duma appoints a committee to make necessary changes in the bill and present it in the House. If the House approves it with a majority, it moves to the Upper House, where it seeks acceptance or rejection, because, Upper House can not make changes to the bill. If the Upper House rejects it, the joint chamber meets for reconciliation. If reconciliation fails, the Lower House can pass it with a majority of 2/3rd. At the end, the President gives his assent to make it a law. If the President vetoes it, the Duma can override the veto with 2/3rd majority.
Amendment: Approval of 2/3rd, 3/4th and 2/3rd majority in the Lower House, Upper House and State Legislatures respectively.
The President is elected through direct popular voting for 6 years and renewal once. He is the head of state and Chief-in-Commander of Armed Forces, having authority to settle domestic/foreign affairs and to dissolve the State of Duma. Supreme Court Judges are appointed by the Upper House on the nomination of the President. Thus, the Russian President is the most powerful president in the world.
Impeachment: The President could be impeached with 2/3d majority in both of the Houses.
The Prime Minister is head of the government (executive). He is appointed by the President with the consent of the State Duma, for an unspecified period at the discretion of the President. However, the President can dismiss him.
Cabinet (Government of Russia): The PM along with the deputy PM and the Federal Ministers executes the administrative affairs. The Government of Russia is also responsible for preparing a budget proposal for submission to the State Duma, protection of human rights, implementation of domestic and foreign policy.
Note: The above article is set according to the demand and requirements of the Competitive Examination in Pakistan i.e. CSS & PMS. This topic is most frequent and repeated past papers of the Constitutional Law of the CSS Competitive Exam in Pakistan;
The Constitution of USSR 1936 is characterized by democratic centralism. Critically analyze the relevant provisions of the Constitution paving the way to the said assumption. (2022)
Discuss the mechanism of enforcement of fundamental rights under the Russian Constitution. (2021)
How is Modern Russia and its constitutional structure different from the USSR’ constitutional structure? Draw a comparative analysis with cogent reasons. (2020)
What is the difference between the procedures of constitutional amendment in the Russian as well as American Constitutions? (2019)
Q. No. 7. What are the powers of the Russian President in the light of Article-83 of the Russian Constitution? (2019)
Make a comparative analysis of the salient features of the Constitution of the former Soviet Union and present day Russian Federation. (2018)
‘The Russian Federation is a Federation with a highly centralized administration.’ Discuss. (2017)
Short Note: Enforcement of Human Rights in the Russian Constitution (2016)
In Spite of the fact that the Russian Constitution provides a long list of rights, the Western observers allege that in fact there is little respect for human rights in the USSR. Comment. (2015)
Make a comparative analysis of the salient features of the Constitutions of the former Soviet Union and the present day Russian Federation. (2014)
Discuss the structure of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation. (2013)