The Constitutional History of the Russian Federation is a complex journey that reflects the country’s

transition from an autocratic empire to a communist state and, finally, to a federal democratic
republic. This evolution can be divided into several key phases:

1. The Russian Empire and Early Constitutionalism (Pre-1917)

• Before 1905, Russia was an absolute monarchy under the rule of the Tsars. The
country had no constitution, and the emperor wielded unlimited power.

• The Revolution of 1905 forced Tsar Nicholas II to introduce the October Manifesto,
which promised basic civil liberties and led to the establishment of the State Duma (parliament).

• In 1906, the Fundamental Laws of the Russian Empire were enacted, effectively
serving as Russia’s first constitution. However, these laws still granted the Tsar supreme power.

2. The Soviet Era (1917-1991)

A. The 1918 Constitution of Soviet Russia (RSFSR)

• After the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, the monarchy was overthrown, and Russia
was declared a socialist state under Lenin.

• The 1918 Constitution of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) was
adopted. It established the dictatorship of the proletariat, abolished private property, and introduced
the concept of soviets (workers’ councils) as the primary form of government.

B. The 1924 Constitution of the Soviet Union (USSR)

• In 1922, Russia, along with Ukraine, Belarus, and the Transcaucasian Republics,
formed the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).

• The 1924 Soviet Constitution centralized power in Moscow and established a single-
party system under the Communist Party.

C. The 1936 Stalin Constitution

• Under Joseph Stalin, the 1936 Soviet Constitution was adopted, claiming to
guarantee fundamental rights such as universal suffrage and freedom of speech, though in reality,
the state remained authoritarian.

• This constitution further strengthened the role of the Communist Party and solidified
a highly centralized system.

D. The 1977 Brezhnev Constitution

• This constitution, also called the “Constitution of Developed Socialism,” emphasized

the leading role of the Communist Party.
 • It reaffirmed the Soviet Union as a socialist state and institutionalized a planned
economy.

• Despite guarantees of civil rights, political dissent was suppressed, and real power
remained with the Communist Party.

3. The Collapse of the USSR and the 1993 Russian Constitution

• In 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed, and Russia transitioned to a democratic system
under President Boris Yeltsin.

• The 1993 Constitution of the Russian Federation, adopted via a national referendum,
replaced the Soviet-era system. It introduced:

• A presidential system with a strong executive.

• A federal structure with power divided between the central government and
regional authorities.

• Protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech,

assembly, and religion.

4. Constitutional Developments in Putin’s Era (2000-Present)

• Under Vladimir Putin, constitutional amendments have gradually expanded

presidential powers:

• 2008 Amendment: Extended the presidential term from 4 years to 6 years.

• 2020 Constitutional Reforms:

• Allowed Putin to potentially remain in power until 2036.

• Strengthened the role of the State Council.

• Declared Russian law superior to international law.

• Banned same-sex marriage and emphasized traditional values.

Conclusion

The constitutional history of the Russian Federation is marked by significant shifts—from monarchy
to communism to democracy and, more recently, to a centralized authoritarian system. While the
1993 Constitution remains the foundation of Russia’s legal framework, recent amendments indicate
an increasing concentration of power in the executive branch, raising concerns about the country’s
democratic future.
Salient Features of the Russian Constitution

The Russian Constitution, adopted on December 12, 1993, serves as the fundamental law of the
Russian Federation. It replaced the Soviet-era Constitution of 1978 and established the legal,
political, and administrative framework of modern Russia. The Constitution defines Russia as a
federal, democratic, and rule-of-law-based state while granting extensive powers to the President.

Understanding the Russian Constitution is essential because it provides insights into semi-
presidential systems, federalism, executive dominance, and the role of political institutions in
contemporary governance. Below are the key features of the Russian Constitution in detail:

1. Federal Structure with a Strong Central Government

Russia is a federal state, meaning it consists of multiple administrative regions with their own
governing authorities. However, its federalism is highly centralized, with strong control exercised by
the national government.

Structure of the Russian Federation

The country consists of 85 federal subjects, which include:

• 22 Republics (e.g., Tatarstan, Chechnya) – These regions have nominal sovereignty

and their own constitutions.

• 9 Territories (Krais) – Large geographical areas with fewer powers.

• 46 Regions (Oblasts) – Regular administrative regions.

• 3 Federal Cities – Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Sevastopol.

• 1 Autonomous Region (Jewish Autonomous Oblast).

• 4 Autonomous Areas (Okrugs) – Small regions with special status.

Centralized Control Over Federal Subjects

Although Russia is formally a federation, in practice:

• The central government appoints governors in most regions, limiting local autonomy.

• The President has emergency powers to intervene in regional matters.

 • Federal subjects do not have equal rights—some republics enjoy more autonomy
than others.

Thus, Russian federalism is asymmetrical, with a unitary tendency, meaning that power remains
largely concentrated in Moscow.

2. Semi-Presidential System

The Russian political system is described as a semi-presidential system because it has both:

• A directly elected President (who holds significant executive power).

• A Prime Minister (who is appointed by the President and manages day-to-day

governance).

However, Russia leans more towards a “presidential system” because of the extensive powers
granted to the President.

3. Supremacy of the Constitution

• The Russian Constitution is the highest law of the land, meaning all other laws,
regulations, and government actions must comply with it.

• The Constitutional Court of Russia has the authority to interpret and ensure the
Constitution’s implementation.

• Unlike the U.S. Constitution, which has been amended only a few times, the Russian
Constitution has been frequently modified to expand presidential power.

4. Separation of Powers (Three Branches of Government)

The Constitution divides power among the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches, but in
practice, the President dominates the system.

(a) Executive Branch

• The President of Russia is the head of state and wields extensive executive power.

• The Prime Minister is the head of government, responsible for implementing policies
and managing the economy.

(b) Legislative Branch (Federal Assembly)

Russia has a bicameral legislature consisting of:

1. State Duma (Lower House) – 450 members elected for five-year terms.

• It can pass laws but has limited power over the President.

• The President can dissolve the Duma if it refuses to approve his chosen Prime
Minister three times.

2. Federation Council (Upper House) – Represents regional governments.

• Members are appointed, not elected.

• It has the power to approve presidential decrees, especially concerning military

actions.

(c) Judicial Branch

• The Russian judiciary is constitutionally independent, but in reality, it is heavily

influenced by the executive.

• The Constitutional Court interprets the Constitution and can annul unconstitutional
laws.

• However, the judiciary often supports government policies rather than acting as a
check on power.

5. Strong Presidential Powers

The President of Russia is the most powerful figure in the political system. The 1993 Constitution
gives the President significant authority, including:

1. Appointing and Dismissing the Prime Minister (with Duma approval).

2. Dismissing the government at any time.

3. Commanding the Armed Forces and determining foreign policy.

4. Issuing presidential decrees that have the force of law.

5. Dissolving the State Duma if it rejects his Prime Ministerial appointments.

6. Declaring a state of emergency in the country.

7. Appointing top judges and other key officials.

Although Russia has a Prime Minister, the President holds the dominant power in the government.
6. Limited Role of Political Parties

• Russia is officially a multi-party system, but in reality, it is dominated by United

Russia, the party of Vladimir Putin.

• Opposition parties, such as the Communist Party and Liberal Democratic Party, exist
but face significant restrictions.

• Independent political movements often struggle due to government control over

elections, media, and civil society.

7. Judiciary and Rule of Law

• The Constitution guarantees an independent judiciary, but in practice, courts are

often influenced by political power.

• Judges are appointed by the President, making them more likely to rule in favor of
the government.

• Freedom of speech, press, and assembly are technically protected but are restricted
through laws and enforcement agencies.

8. Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms

The Russian Constitution provides for civil, political, and economic rights, including:

• Freedom of speech, press, and religion (although these freedoms are often
restricted).

• Right to private property and entrepreneurship.

• Right to free education, healthcare, and social security.

• Equality before the law and protection against discrimination.

However, in practice, many of these rights are curtailed due to state intervention and political
control.

9. Constitutional Amendments and Recent Reforms

• The Constitution allows amendments, but the process heavily favors the ruling
government.

• Major amendments in 2020 (initiated by Vladimir Putin) made significant changes:

 1. Extended presidential term limits, allowing Putin to stay in power until 2036.

2. Declared Russian law superior to international law.

3. Strengthened the role of the State Council, an advisory body controlled by the
President.

These changes have further centralized power in the presidency and weakened political opposition.

Conclusion

The Russian Constitution of 1993 formally establishes a federal, democratic, and rule-of-law-based
political system. However, in practice, it has led to a centralized authoritarian regime where:

• The President dominates the system, overshadowing the legislature and judiciary.

• Federalism is weak, with power concentrated in Moscow.

• Political opposition and civil liberties are restricted through laws and enforcement
agencies.

Despite having constitutional guarantees of democracy and human rights, Russia’s political reality
reflects a centralized and controlled political system with limited checks on executive power.