The Federal Assembly – the Parliament of the Russian Federation is the representative and legislative body of the Russian Federation. It consists of two chambers: the Federation Council and the State Duma. The Federation Council includes two representatives from each constituent entity of the Russian Federation and the State Duma consists of 450 deputies. The Federal Assembly is a permanently to conduct closed sessions. Each chamber forms committees and commissions to hold implementation of the federal budget.
Federal laws adopted by the State Duma on the following issues must compulsorily be examined by the Federal Council:
– the federal budget;
– federal taxes and levies;
– financial, currency, credit and customs regulation, money emission;
– the status and protection of the state border of the RF;
– war and peace.
The Federation Council also considers a set of other issues. In particular, it approves decisions on changes of borders between constituent entities and sanctions the imposing of martial law and a state of emergency. Without the Federation Council approval, military forces cannot be used outside the country. Within its competence, there is appointment and dismissal of the Prosecutor General and judges of the auditors of the Accounts Chamber. Additionally, the Federation Council has the right of final decision on the impeachment of the President and the announcement of new elections of the President.
The following is within the jurisdiction of the State Duma:
– consent to the appointment of the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation by the RF President;
– deciding the issue of confidence in the Government of the Russian Federation;
– appointment and dismissal of the Chairman of the Central Bank, the Chairman and half of the auditors of the Accounts Chamber; the Commissioner for Human Rights;
– announcement of amnesty;
– bringing charges against the President of the Russian Federation for his impeachment.
The executive power is exercised by the government which consists of the Chairman of the Government (the Prime Minister), deputy chairman and the federal ministers. Additionally, the Chairman of the Government proposes to the President candidates for the posts of deputy chairmen and the other federal ministers.
The Government introduces a draft budget to be discussed by the State Duma and it provides its implementation and realization of financial, credit and monetary policies. It carries out measures to ensure the legality, rights and freedoms of the citizens, to protect property, public order and combat crimes. It ensures state security, and the realization of foreign policy. The government ensures the implementation of a uniform state policy in the sphere of culture, science, education, social security, health and ecology.
II. Fill in the table
| Legislative body | Sphere of responsibilities |
Discuss
1. What kind of a functioning body is the Federal Assembly?
2. Are there clear limitations of the competence in each chamber of the Federal Assembly?
3. What chamber has the right to conduct closed sessions?
4. What chamber is responsible for the consideration of financial problems?
5. In what connection does the world “Impeachment” appear in the text?
6. What does the text say about the insurance of state security? Whose duty is it?
