Government (Cabinet)

The constitution prescribes that the Government of Russia, which corresponds to the Western cabinet structure; consists of a prime minister (chairman of the Government), deputy prime ministers, and federal ministers and their ministries and departments. Within one week of appointment by the president and approval by the State Duma, the prime minister must submit to the president nominations for all subordinate Government positions, including deputy prime ministers and federal ministers. The prime minister carries out administration in line with the constitution and laws and presidential decrees. The ministries of the Government, which numbered 24 in mid-1996, execute credit and monetary policies and defence, foreign policy, and state security functions; ensure the rule of law and respect for human and civil rights; protect property; and take measures against crime. If the Government issues implementing decrees and directives that are at odds with legislation or presidential decrees, the president may rescind them.

The Government formulates the state budget, submits it to the State Duma, and issues a report on its implementation. If the State Duma rejects a draft budget from the Government, the budget is submitted to a conciliation commission including members from both branches.

1. Answer the questions.

1. What are necessary requirements for a president?

2. What is the procedure for presidential elections?

3. What is the percentage of eligible voters for a presidential election to be valid?

4. How many votes should a candidate for presidency take to be a winner?

5. What candidates does the Supreme Court ban?

6. Who does the Government of Russia consist of?

7. What functions do ministries of the Government carry out?

8. When may the president rescind Government’s decrees?

9. Where is a draft budget submitted to if the State Duma rejects it?

2. Find proper words to the given definitions:

1. giving up smb’s job or position;

2. to choose smb. for a particular job or position;

3. legally or officially acceptable;

4. to support;

5. disappointed;

6. to prohibit.

3. Fill in gaps with words from the text.

1. The presidential term is set at _______ _______.

2. If a president is unable to act because of _______ problems, the _______ _______ is to be held.

3. Parties, voters’ groups register with the Central ______ ______.

4. At least 50 percent of _______ voters are required for a presidential election.

5. The law requires one voting _______ for every 3,000 voters.

6. The Supreme Court bans a candidate who _______ a violent transformation of the constitutional order.

7. The prime minister carries out administration with the _______ and _______.

4. Speak on Presidential elections. Start with the following.

1. The presidential term is _______.

2. A candidate for president must be _______.

3. Parties, blocs register with _______.

4. 50 percent of voters may participate _______.

5. To make voter participation easier, _______.