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Political Parties and Elections

Political Parties and Elections. “Floating” Party System Political Parties come and go. (43 on ballot in 1995) Voters do not develop party loyalty Little enduring “party identification.” 3 Consistent Parties since 2000 United Russia Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF)

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Political Parties and Elections

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  1. Political Parties and Elections • “Floating” Party System • Political Parties come and go. • (43 on ballot in 1995) • Voters do not develop party loyalty • Little enduring “party identification.” • 3 Consistent Parties since 2000 • United Russia • Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) • Liberal Democrats

  2. United Russia • Party of Power • Promotes interest of current leadership • Not defined by ideological position on issues. • Putin’s Party • Merger of “Unity” & “Fatherland-All Russia”

  3. Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) Peaked in 1990s as anti-reform (anti-Yeltsin) More central planning Less economic reform

  4. Liberal Democrats Vladimir Zhirinovsky Extreme Nationalism Anti-Semitic Sexist

  5. Russian Billionaire Announces Plan for Political Party Mikhail Prokhorov • Oligarch • Owner of New Jersey Nets • Leader of new party “Right Cause” Questions • According to the author, why was this party created? • What usually happens to oligarchs who get involved in politics? • Why do you think Prokhorov would agree to lead the party?

  6. “End of the Bromance?”

  7. ParliamentLower House: The Duma • 450 Seats • Representatives chosen by popular vote. • 5-year terms (starting 2011) • Before 2005: • Mixed Member Proportional Voting • After 2005: • Proportional Voting

  8. Before 2005: Mixed Member Proportional System • 225 FPTP Single-Member Districts (SMD) • 225 Nationwide Proportional • Party List • 5% Threshold Minor Parties • Benefitted from SMD • In 2003: 100 SMD went to Independent or Minor Parties • Strong regional support

  9. After 2005: Proportional System • No more SMDs • Single Nationwide Constituency Proportional Vote • Changed Threshold to 7% • **Impact on Minor Parties** • Virtually ended their chances of gaining seats. • 2009 Threshold Change! • If party wins b/n 5%-6%, they get ONE seat. • If party wins b/n 6%-7%, they get TWO seats.

  10. CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS OF THE DUMA Limited in comparison to President President can rule by decree Most legislation originates with President or Prime Minister No realistic chance of impeaching/removing President, or removing Prime Minister with a vote of no confidence.

  11. CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS OF THE DUMA Approves presidential appointments Can override veto (2/3) Approves the budget Signs bills into law

  12. Upper House:Federation Council • 178 Members • 2 from each of the 89 sub-units • Appointed by local governor and local legislature • Role: represent the regions • *Less power than Duma • Can only delay legislation

  13. Federal Court System • Communist era had no independent judiciary • 1993 Constitution created a: • Constitutional Court • Appointed by President • Power of Judicial Review (in theory) • Careful not to cross Putin • Supreme Court • Final court for civil and criminal cases

  14. Bureaucracy • Inherited a large bureaucracy from USSR • Overseen by a Cabinet • POWER MINISTRIES • Key advisers; shape public policy • Defense, Foreign Affairs, Interior & State Security Bureau (FSB)– previously the KGB.

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