Government

Russia is a federal republic made up of 89 subdivisions. The subdivisions consist of 49 regions (oblasts), 21 republics, 10 autonomous areas (okrugs), 6 territories (krays), 2 federal cities (Moscow and St. Petersburg), and 1 autonomous region. The republics, autonomous areas, and autonomous region are inhabited by a significant proportion (sometimes a majority) of non-Russian peoples. Russia's subdivisions have their own legislative bodies.

Under the constitution of 1993, Russia has a parliamentary form of government with an elected president. The Federal Assembly (parliament) is made up of the State Duma and the Federation Council.

The State Duma has 450 members, who are elected to terms of four years. Half of the members are elected using a proportional representation system and half are elected from single-member districts. The Federation Council has 178 seats, two allotted to each of the federal subdivisions. A few of these subdivisions have sought independence and have not filled their seats in the council.

The president is the head of state. He is elected by popular vote to a term of four years. The president has significant powers. Among these are the power to dissolve the State Duma, to appoint and dismiss top commanders of the armed forces, to direct foreign policy, and to issue decrees. The president appoints the Chairman of the Government (head of government, whose function is similar to that of a prime minister), subject to the approval of the State Duma.

The Supreme Court of Russia is the highest court for civil and criminal cases. The Constitutional Court of Russia is the highest authority on the constitutionality of laws, presidential decrees, and treaties. Judges for both of these courts are nominated by the president and appointed by the Federation Council.