Russian Constitution
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The Russian Constitution is the supreme law of the Russian Federation, outlining the fundamental principles, rights, and duties of its citizens, as well as the structure and functions of the government. Adopted in 1993, it replaced the previous constitution of the Soviet Union and serves as the legal foundation for the Russian state.
Basic principles: The Constitution establishes Russia as a democratic, federal, and rule-of-law state. It affirms the principles of social justice, human rights, equality, and the separation of powers.
Presidential system: The Constitution establishes a presidential system of government, where the President serves as the head of state and head of the executive branch. The President is elected by the people and has significant powers, including the authority to appoint government officials, propose legislation, and conduct foreign policy.
Federal structure: Russia is a federation composed of 85 federal subjects, including republics, regions, and territories. The Constitution outlines the distribution of powers between the federal government and the regional authorities, specifying areas of shared and exclusive jurisdiction.
Legislature: The Constitution establishes a bicameral legislature called the Federal Assembly. It consists of two chambers: the State Duma (the lower house) and the Federation Council (the upper house). The State Duma is responsible for enacting federal legislation, while the Federation Council represents the interests of the federal subjects.
Judicial system: The Constitution guarantees the independence of the judiciary and establishes a hierarchical system of courts. It recognises the Constitutional Court as the highest judicial authority for constitutional matters, while the Supreme Court serves as the final appellate court for civil, criminal, and administrative cases.
Fundamental rights and freedoms: The Constitution enshrines a range of fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to life, personal liberty, equality, freedom of speech, assembly, and religion. It also guarantees social and economic rights, such as the right to work, education, and healthcare.
Constitutional amendments: The Constitution provides for the procedure to amend its provisions. Amendments require approval by two-thirds of the members of the State Duma, two-thirds of the members of the Federation Council, and ratification by at least two-thirds of the regional legislatures.
The Russian Constitution serves as a cornerstone of the legal system and governance in Russia. It provides a framework for the functioning of the state, protection of individual rights, and the relationship between the federal government and regional authorities. The interpretation and application of the Constitution are overseen by the Constitutional Court, ensuring its adherence to the principles of the rule of law and constitutionalism.
Basic principles: The Constitution establishes Russia as a democratic, federal, and rule-of-law state. It affirms the principles of social justice, human rights, equality, and the separation of powers.
Presidential system: The Constitution establishes a presidential system of government, where the President serves as the head of state and head of the executive branch. The President is elected by the people and has significant powers, including the authority to appoint government officials, propose legislation, and conduct foreign policy.
Federal structure: Russia is a federation composed of 85 federal subjects, including republics, regions, and territories. The Constitution outlines the distribution of powers between the federal government and the regional authorities, specifying areas of shared and exclusive jurisdiction.
Legislature: The Constitution establishes a bicameral legislature called the Federal Assembly. It consists of two chambers: the State Duma (the lower house) and the Federation Council (the upper house). The State Duma is responsible for enacting federal legislation, while the Federation Council represents the interests of the federal subjects.
Judicial system: The Constitution guarantees the independence of the judiciary and establishes a hierarchical system of courts. It recognises the Constitutional Court as the highest judicial authority for constitutional matters, while the Supreme Court serves as the final appellate court for civil, criminal, and administrative cases.
Fundamental rights and freedoms: The Constitution enshrines a range of fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to life, personal liberty, equality, freedom of speech, assembly, and religion. It also guarantees social and economic rights, such as the right to work, education, and healthcare.
Constitutional amendments: The Constitution provides for the procedure to amend its provisions. Amendments require approval by two-thirds of the members of the State Duma, two-thirds of the members of the Federation Council, and ratification by at least two-thirds of the regional legislatures.
The Russian Constitution serves as a cornerstone of the legal system and governance in Russia. It provides a framework for the functioning of the state, protection of individual rights, and the relationship between the federal government and regional authorities. The interpretation and application of the Constitution are overseen by the Constitutional Court, ensuring its adherence to the principles of the rule of law and constitutionalism.
