The Russian Federation

State Structure

Russia is a democratic federal rule-of-law state with the republican form of

government. It consist of republics, territories, regions, federal cities, an autonomous region and autonomous areas - equal subjects of the Russian Federation. .

Political and ideological plurality as well as multi-party system are recognized in the Russian Federation.

The Russian Federation is a secular state. No religion may be instituted as state- sponsored or mandatory religion. Religious associations are separated from the state, and shall be equal before the law.

TheConstitution is the basic law of Russia. It has supreme legal force and direct effect, and is applicable throughout the entire territory of the Russian Federation. Laws and other legal acts adopted by the Russian Federation may not contravene the Constitution of the Russian Federation.

Legislative power is held by Federal Assembly

Judicial power is held by the system of courts

Executive power is held by the Russian Government

The Russian Federation has a multi-party system

United Russia

The party of Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev. This conservative and nationalist party, founded in 2001, is the largest in Russia with more than 2 million members. It holds an overwhelming majority of seats in both the Duma and regional parliaments, as well as committee chairmanships and posts on the Duma's steering committee.