1. Troubles in Governing Oligarchy Mafia
Tycoons (wealthy/influential business people) tied to Yeltsin especially his daughter
Took advantage of Yeltsin monopolized business and industry
Boris Berezovsky and 6 other entrepreneurs controlled over half of Russia’s GNP
Including oil, media, tv and newspapers
Secured Yeltsin’s reelection and with other oligarchs financed and created the unity party (Putin’s Party)
Putin has had clashes (disagreements) with the oligarchy
Vladimir Gusinsky (media ) criticized Putin publically and was arrested for corruption
Gusinsky and Berezovsky are both in exile now
More influence than the oligarchs
More than just underworld crime
Gained control of businesses, natural resources and banks during 1991 revolution
Payoffs, money laundering, bribing or threaten political officials (some former KGB),
Have murdered bankers, businessmen, journalists and members of the Duma
Oligarchs and Mafia threaten democracy in Russia

2. Institutions Medvedev-PM Putin- President vs
Constitution of 1993 provided for the structure of government
It is a combination of a presidential and parliamentary system (France)
Allows for a strong president with democratic checks on power
Medvedev-PM Putin- President vs

3. President Powers Elected by voters Serves 2 terms Term is 4 years
Anyone with 1,000,000 signatures can run (petition)
Lives in the White House
Appoint Prime Minister with Duma approval
President may dissolve Duma
Issue decrees (like executive order)
Runs the cabinet (advisors)
Prime Minister becomes President in case of death or resignation

4. Bicameral Legislature
Lower House-Duma 450 seats
½ porportional representation ½ single member district rep.
Passes bills
Approves budget
Confirms presidential appointments
Upper House-Federation Council
2 members from 89 regions
Can delay legislation
Redraw boundaries of the republics
Appoint and remove judges
Ratify to armed conflicts around the world

5. Judiciary
19 members appointed by the president confirmed by the Federation Council
Determine if laws and decrees are constitutional
Supreme Court- final court of appeal criminal/civil
At present suffers from a lack of expertise