The Text

 I was curious about how the Russian Federation Constitution(1993) might

be amended and asked Bing/Chat about it. I was give a reference to the actual

text. Below:

http://www.constitution.ru/en/10003000-01.htm

                                      *     *     *

UPPER HOUSE__FEDERATION COUNCIL:

The federal subjects of Russia, also known as the subjects of the Russian Federation, are the top-level political divisions according to the Constitution of Russia. These entities form the building blocks of the country’s administrative structure. Here are the main types of federal subjects:

Republics: These regions have a significant ethnic population and often have their own official languages alongside Russian. For example, the Republic of Tatarstan and the Republic of Bashkortostan1.

Krais (Territories): Krais are large territorial units that cover vast areas. Examples include the Krasnoyarsk Krai and the Primorsky Krai1.

Oblasts (Regions): Oblasts are similar to krais but are usually smaller in size. They are the most common type of federal subject. Examples include the Moscow Oblast and the Leningrad Oblast1.

Cities of Federal Importance: These are major cities with special status. The three cities falling into this category are Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Sevastopol. Each of these cities also comprises other towns and districts within its boundaries1.

Autonomous Oblast: The Jewish Autonomous Oblast is an example of this type. It has a distinct ethnic minority population and a degree of autonomy1.

Autonomous Okrugs (Areas): These regions are also associated with specific ethnic groups. The Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug and the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug are examples1.

Additionally, Russia is divided into eight federal districts, each overseeing a group of federal subjects. These districts are the Central, Northwestern, Southern, North Caucasian, Volga, Ural, Siberian, and Far Eastern districts2.

Keep in mind that Kaliningrad Oblast is geographically separated from the rest of Russia by other countries, as it lies between Poland and Lithuania1. Overall, Russia’s diverse federal subjects contribute to its rich cultural and geographical tapestry.

In the Federation of Russia, the governance of each federal subject is structured as follows:

Head of the Federal Subject (Governor):

The highest official of a federal subject is known as the Governor (Russian: губернатор).

The Governor serves as the chief executive and the political head of the federal subject.

They are not directly subordinate to federal authorities but hold significant authority within their region.

The Governor represents the federal subject both politically and ceremonially1.

Parliament:

Each federal subject has its own parliament (legislative body).

The parliament plays a crucial role in local governance, passing laws, and representing the interests of the region’s residents.

Constitution or Charter:

Every federal subject has its own constitution or charter.

These legal documents outline the rights, responsibilities, and governance structure specific to that region.

The authority of these organs (parliament, constitutional court, etc.) may vary among federal subjects23.

Constitutional Court:

Each federal subject has its own constitutional court.

The court ensures that regional laws comply with the federal constitution and resolves legal disputes within the subject.

Equal Representation in the Federation Council:

The federal subjects have equal representation in the Federation Council, which is the upper house of the Federal Assembly.

Each subject sends two delegates to the Federation Council2.

Regional Autonomy:

While all federal subjects are equal, some, such as republics, enjoy more cultural autonomy.

Republics often have their own official languages alongside Russian and have a degree of self-governance2.

In summary, the governance of each federal subject in Russia involves a combination of local leadership (Governor), legislative bodies (parliaments), legal frameworks (constitutions), and representation at the federal level.

LOWER HOUSE__DUMA:

In the Federation of Russia, the electoral districts for the lower house, known as the State Duma, are defined as follows:

1. Federal Subjects: Russia is divided into federal subjects, which include republics, krais (territories), oblasts (regions), cities of federal importance, autonomous oblasts, and autonomous okrugs¹. Each federal subject corresponds to one or more electoral districts.

2. Representation: Citizens within each electoral district cast their votes to elect one or more representatives (deputies) to the State Duma. The number of deputies per district varies based on population and other factors.

3. Population-Based Allocation: The allocation of deputies is based on population size. Some larger federal subjects have multiple electoral districts, while smaller ones may have only one¹.

4. Redistricting: The boundaries of electoral districts can change due to redistricting, population shifts, and other considerations. Redistricting aims to ensure fair representation and equal voting power for citizens across the country.

5. Electoral Commissions: Electoral commissions at various levels oversee the delimitation and organization of electoral districts. They work to maintain transparency and fairness in the process.

6. Urban and Rural Districts: Electoral districts can encompass both urban and rural areas. Urban districts may have higher population density, while rural districts cover larger geographical areas.

7. Constitutional Framework: The Constitution of Russia provides the legal framework for electoral districts and the election process. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of citizens, candidates, and electoral bodies.

In summary, Russia’s electoral districts are determined by a combination of geographical boundaries, population size, and administrative divisions. These districts play a crucial role in representing citizens’ interests in the State Duma.

                                                               *     *     *Southern Federal District, Russia Guide (russiatrek.org)