The New Russian State Section 3 - Review Intro to Comparative Politics

Organization of the State New constitution was passed in 1993 and in public opinion polls taken in 2005 suggest that it has broad- based political legitimacy (even though its interpretation is sometimes hotly contested). Constitution affirms many established principles of liberal democratic governance: competitive elections within a multiparty context, separation of powers, an independent judiciary, federalism, and protection of individual civil liberties. However another key component is the strength of the president’s executive power. (due to demands & trad.)

The Soviet State (the way things used to be…) The top organs of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) dominated the state. (One-party state) The Politburo (the top organ) was the real decision making center. The Central Committee, represented the broader elite, including regional party leaders and reps of various eco sectors. People holding high state positions were appointed through the nomenklatura system, a mechanism that allowed the CPSU to fill key posts with politically reliable individuals. The Supreme Soviet (the parliament) was a rubber stamping body. Only one CPSU appointed candidate ran.

“Phony Federalism” to True Reforms A federal system was in place with powers granted to the 15 union republics (now independent states), however all aspects of life were overseen by the highly centralized Communist Party. Various subunits existed in the Russian Republic (autonomous republics, krais, oblasts, and okrugs) and carried over to the Russian Federation in an altered form. Gorbachev began a process of radical institutional change through the introduction of competitive elections, increased pluralism, reduced Comm. Party dominance, a revitalized leg. Branch of gov., etc. He moved towards the liberal democratic institutions of the West.

Russia’s Executive Similar to Semi-presidential system (France) with stronger executive power The president, who holds primary power is the head of state. The prime minister is the head of government. Dual executive can lead to tensions within the exec. branch as well as the President & the Duma.

PresidentPrime Minister Holds primary power Head of State Oversees foreign policy Relations with the regions and organs of state security Can issue decrees Let’s look at Figure 3. Appointed by president and confirmed by Duma Head of government Has focused attention on the economy and related issues

How did Yeltsin use decrees? Used to address hot button issues such as: 1.Privatization 2.Economic issues 3.Anticrime legislation 4.Chechnya offensives Decrees have the force of law until…?

Chechnya action was not approved by parliament Power of decree is similar to an American president having the power to start a military action without seeking congressional approval Does an American president have decree-like powers?

Russian Presidential Powers Right to call a state of emergency Impose martial law Grant pardons Call referenda Temporarily suspend actions of other state organs if he deems them to contradict the constitution or federal laws Commander in chief of the armed forces Chief Diplomat - conducts affairs of state with other nations

Prime Minister Currently the position is held by Viktor Zubkov Russian government is headed by P.M. and five deputies P.M. can be removed by Duma if it votes no confidence twice in three months - Why is this an unlikely scenario?

The National Bureaucracy The Presidential Administration - directly serves the president (2,000 employees) Government ministries report to the president (e.g. Foreign Affairs and Defense) Several advisory bodies - with no constitutional status, these bodies can be easily dissolved (State and Security Council) Is there cronyism in Russia? See Patron-Client networks!

Military and Security Organs Due to Putin’s KGB ties and current terrorist realities, the security seems to have a large influence in the government. Civil liberties restrictions have not elicited public response. Public cynicism of police - power of payoffs Russian government believes that terrorist attacks by Chechens are linked to al Qaeda. Cooperation between Western agencies and Russia has improved but at what cost? American presence in former Soviet states = Chechnya silence?

The Judiciary Constitutional Court (19 Judges) Supreme Court (lower and appellate courts) - Civil and criminal cases Superior Court of Arbitration

Subnational Government Federal Structure includes 89 units –21 republics –49 oblasts (lacks non-Russian national/ethnic group) –6 krais (Part of its border was on an external boundary of the USSR) –10 autonomous okrugs ((contains non-Russian national ethnic group) –2 cities with federal status (St. Petersburg & Moscow) –Major Theme - Federalism and Autonomy

Issues of Autonomy Russia has had difficulties with republics in the recent past trying to achieve greater autonomy or outright independence. Russia fears separatist sentiment could spread and strategic locations and valuable resources are at risk. Ethnicity is one of the core issues. Chechnya - protracted civil war (1994-present) Asymmetrical federalism - gives different regions varying privileges (case by case basis)

Putin’s Post-election Priorities (2000) Federalism and Autonomy Establishment of uniform system of federal- regional relations, governed by uniform legal principles became priority. Decreed seven new federal districts. Role of Governors of Republics (at first selected by the President, then through elections, and now selected by the President)

Policy Making - How does it happen? Russian Constitution lays the formal groundwork Federal government, regional legislatures, the president, his administration, individual deputies, and some judicial bodies may propose legislation. Bill to Law - three readings, approval by both houses, and signed by the president.