Vocabulary tasks

A Choose from the given group of words (a,b,c) the appropriate one which fits each gap.

1 The President uses consensual procedures...

a) to veto the act b) to perform duties c) to resolve the problem.

2 The dispute is transferred to the appropriate court…

a) for its resolution b) for suspension c) for discussion.

3 State power in Russia is carried out by dividing powers…

a) between citizens b) into three c) for performing duties.

independent branches

4 The President stops performing his duties ahead of time if he resigns because of…

a) impeachment b) a state of emergency c) elections.

5 He also selects and releases diplomatic representatives for approval by…

a) the State Duma b) the Parliament c) the Chairman of the

Government.

B Match these words and word combinations with their Russian equivalents.

1	representative	a	международные обязательства
2	to pass law	b	представитель
3	to be valid	c	принять закон
4	appropriate division	d	достичь согласия
5	to reach consensus	e	вводить чрезвычайное положение
6	to suspend the activity of an act	f	соответствующий административный округ
7	international obligations	g	приостановить действие закона
8	criminal legislation	h	быть действительным
9	external policy	i	внешняя политика
10	to perform one’s duties	j	освободить (от должности)
11	to release	k	выполнять свои обязанности
12	to introduce a state of emergency	l	уголовное законодательство

C Complete the diagram about the competence of the Russian President

Text b The Parliament of the Russian Federation

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 functioning body. The Federation Council and the State Duma sit separately. Their sessions are open, but they have the right to pass the decision to conduct closed sessions. Each chamber forms committees and commissions to hold appropriate hearings. Both chambers set up the Accounts Chamber to monitor implementation of the federal budget.

Federal laws adopted by the State Duma on the following issues must compulsorily be examined by the Federation Council:

• the federal budget;

• federal taxes and levies;

• financial, currency, credit and customs regulation, money emission;

• ratification and denunciation of international treaties of the Russian Federation;

• the status and protection of the state border of the Russian Federation;

• war and peace.

Federation Council also considers a set of other issues. In particular, it approves decisions on changes of borders between constituent entities and sanctions the introduction 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 supreme body of the judicial branch, the deputy Chairman and half 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 President of the Russian Federation;

- deciding the issue of confidence in the Government of the Russian Federation;

- appointment and dismissal of the Chairman of the Central Bank, Chairman and half of the auditors of the Accounts Chamber, 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 chairmen and the federal ministers. The Chairman's candidate is appointed by the President with the consent of the State Duma. Should the selected candidate be rejected three times, the President appoints the Prime Minister himself, dissolves the State Duma and announces new elections. Additionally, the Chairman of the Government proposes to the President candidates for the posts of deputy chairmen and the other federal ministers.

The government presents 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.