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[edit] A Comparative Look at Russian and American Politics
[edit] Institutional Differences
[edit] The United States of America
The current model of the United States was set up under the Constitution adopted in 1788. Under the Constitution, the government was divided into three different branches. These branches were the Judiciary, Legislative, and Executive. As such, the Judicial Branch is present both in federal and state institutions. The lowest level of these courts is the trial court, followed by the appellate court, and finally ending with the supreme court. The ultimate power of this branch resides with the United States Supreme Court. After careful deliberation, the founding fathers decided on a bicameral legislative system.[1]
The Legislative Branch consists of both a Senate and a House of Representatives. The Senate is the upper house and consists of two elected officials from each state, 100 collectively. The House of Representatives, on the other hand, is the lower house and is represented proportionally based on the population of each state. Under the this branch, many other institutions exist to preform and monitor the many tasks that Congress address. These lower institutions are known as the Bureaucracy (examples include the Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Trade Commission, Federal Communications Commission, etc.).[2] The Executive Branch is the third branch of American government. Unlike the other two branches, it is headed by a singe person known as the president. The Executive Branch has fifteen smaller institutions that are headed by individuals who make up the president's cabinet (examples include The Department of State, The Department of Health, The Department of Education, etc.). Furthermore, since the United States government is based on federalism, institutions in national government have similar counterparts on the state level.[3] For a complete list of all of the institutions of the United States visit[1]
[edit] The Russian Federation
The current model of the Russian Federation was adopted in 1993 following the fall of the Soviet Union. Under the Constitution of the Russian Federation, three branches were established. These branches resemble, in some ways, those of the United States. They are the Judiciary, the Federal Assembly, and the Executive.[4] Unlike the U.S. system, the Russian judicial supreme power is divided between three courts. These courts are the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and the Supreme Court of Arbitration.[5] Each of these three courts have unique functions. The Constitutional Court, as the name implies, deals only with matters concerning or dealing with the protection of the Constitution. Likewise, the Supreme Court is the highest court for all criminal, civil, and administrative matters. Finally, the Supreme Court of Arbitration is the highest court for commercial cases, such as those between or against businesses.[6]
The Federal Assembly consists of both a Federation Council and a State Duma. The Federation Council is the upper house and consists of two elected officials from each of the 84 federal subjects of Russia, or divisions of Russian, for a current total of 168 seats.[7] The State Duma is the lower court and is represented based on the number of seats each party wins. The parties are then able to fill its seats with party members. There are 450 seats that are Constitutionally provided.[8] In addition, the Federal Assembly has a system similar to the U.S. Bureaucracy and consists of numerous commissions and committees created to help the Federal Assembly manage the country (examples include the Commission on Youth and Sports, Committee on Local Government, Committee on Food and Agricultural Policies, etc.). The Executive is the third division of government in the Russian Federation. This division varies from the U.S. model because Russian has both a president and a prime minister. The president is the Commander-in-Chief, sets the domestic and foreign policies, and is the Head of State.[9] The prime minister, on the other hand, signs decrees and executive orders, nominates officials, presents advice and guidance to the president, and determines the overall direction of the government.[10] For a complete list of all of the institutions of the Russian Federation click here.
[edit] Domestic Policy
[edit] The United States of America
Currently, the U.S. domestic policy of the Bush administration has centered around several key elements. The first of which is the reform of the national immigration system and border patrol. Much of these proposals, such as the "Guest Worker" idea have been met with controversy.[11] Another important aspect is the modification of current legal liability procedures. This includes moving such cases from state courts to federal courts. In the past, it has been noted that federal courts have been less eager than state courts to hear the cases of plaintiffs. Additionally, social security reforms have long been a source of concern in Domestic Policy.[12] The current system of social security works on the basis that the current work force pays for the benefits of the retired. Bush's proposition was to privatize social security in the sense that individuals would be able to invest the money where they saw fit in accounts that they owned.[13]
[edit] The Russian Federation
Domestic Policy in the former Soviet Union has been an important part of the country's focus. In recent years, President Vladimir Putin's administration has focused heavily on social welfare of the people of Russia. He believes that it is a "policy of investment in people, and, hence, in Russia's future."[14] Social welfare, such as agriculture, health care, education, and housing, have struggled to operate efficiently. Rekindling Russian attitudes towards sports, improving the demographic inconsistencies (increasing death rate combined with decreasing birth rate), and stabilization of Chechnya are all other areas of current domestic policy. In addition, steps, however inadequate, are being taken to combat the rise of political and social corruption. Another area of increase concern in the domestic policy is a rise in radical nationalism.[15]
[edit] Foreign Policy
[edit] The United States of America
As of late, foreign policy has been in the spotlight of national and global scrutiny. As one of the world's superpowers, the United States has played a large role in international affairs. The U.S. Department of State states the goal of its foreign policy is "to create a more secure, democratic, and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community."[16] Likewise, the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs state that their goal for foreign policy is "export controls, including nonproliferation of nuclear technology and nuclear hardware; measures to foster commercial intercourse with foreign nations and to safeguard American business abroad; International commodity agreements; international education; and protection of American citizens abroad and expatriation."[17] Much of the United State's foreign policy after September 11, 2001 has been focused in the middle east. The Bush Administration has made the War on Terror the principle centerpiece of its foreign agenda.
[edit] The Russian Federation
Through the years, the Russian Federation has tried to follow some aspects of the previous USSR in terms of foreign policy. After the fall of the USSR, the Russian Federation assumed its permanent position on the UN Security Council.[18] In addition, it has honored the international commitments of the former Soviet Union. Currently, Russian maintains diplomatic relations with 178 countries. The foreign policy of Russia, as mentioned earlier, is defined and shape by the president. As such, Russia's position in the world and the UN Security Council has allowed to influence many international issues including: talks with the Middle East, treaty talks with North Korea, and nuclear proliferation.[19] The Russian Federation's military has also been upgrading as well as reducing mandatory service limits from 18 months to 12 months. This process is an expensive investment in Russia's military and its foreign policy.[20]
[edit] Civil Liberties and Rights
The civil right in both countries are very similar. The only major difference is the right to bare arms. The United States civil liberties and right are mostly under the Bill of Rights. Even though both governments have similar rights and liberties though, Putin has recently been restricting rights to assemble and freedom of expression. Many of Putin's former advisors have stated that human rights and liberties have deteriorated significantly. While Russia still has its civil right and liberties on paper it seems as though they are being ignored. [21]
[edit] Political Behavior
Both governments have the same concepts of political parties, interest groups, voting, and political culture.
[edit] Interest Groups
The interest groups play a major roll in these government. For example in the United States, the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) have been able to effect social security, Medicare, and etc. By being the biggest interest group they are able to raise money for candidates that they feel will support what the stand for. Other big or well know interest groups in the United States are NRA (National Riffle Association) and the Sierra Club. The most noticeable example of interest groups that can be found in the current Russian government is with former President Boris Yeltsin. During his 1996 campaign for presidency, he relied heavily on his billionaire friends to help him get re-elected by giving him money.[22] Very little is known about Putin's relations with interest groups.
[edit] Political Parties
The political parties in the American system consist of two major parties the Republican Party and Democratic Party. There are also third party, although these parties barely get official elected to positions high up in the government. The Green Party, one of the larger third parties, will usually pick a candidate to run for the presidency even though they know there is not a chance for their candidate to win. They have a candidate for two main reasons. If the party candidate receives a certain percentage of the vote they will receive money from the government that they can use to fund their next campaign. In Russia there is four major party and other smaller parties. Also, by running in a major election a party is able to spread their ideas to the masses. Russia has political parties also, but the function very differently compared to the United States. The four major parties that are represented in the State Duma are the United Russia Party, Communist Party of the Russian Federation, Fair Russia, and Liberal Democratic Party of Russia. Since the United Russia Party has the most members and are the wealthiest party they have monopolized the major areas of the government. They are also the party that controls all of the executive branch. For this reason many people consider Russia to be run by only one party.
[edit] Political Culture and Voting
The political culture of both countries helps show how and why these countries are run. Voting in both Russia and the United States is democratized. Both nations political culture is based around there basic roots. America was originally founded on the idea of the individual's right to liberty, justice, and happiness. Another idea that has shaped the political culture of America is capitalism. Russia has had a long past of being in charge by dictators and tyrants. Right now Russia is have a clash between the ideas of the former soviet government and western government. This has caused the culture to be a mix between the two. The election for the Duma has changed drastically since 2003. Originally the amount of a certain parties members in the Duma was chosen through proportional representation. This type of election is a good way to get the whole publics opinion in the house instead of the general public, for it proportionality the amount of seats each party gets by having the seats of each party being proportional to what the public voted for. The rules were districts with a single party would be eliminated by not only have the election be on proportional basis, nut each party had to get at least seven percent of the general vote to get seats in the Duma.[23] The rules for voting in Russia's presidential election is that at least 50% of registered voters vote in the presidential election. A candidate must receive at least 50% of the vote. If no one gets the required 50% there is a run off election between the two top candidate. Apparently only one election has had to have a run off, this shows how powerful the control of the United Russia party is. One of the major reasons Putin has been able to make his party as strong as it is, is that since his economic policies has helped Russia he has one of the highest approval ratings compared to any leader in the world. The United States has the Electoral College. Each states vote for a certain amount of electors who have promised ahead of time to vote for a certain candidate. This has brought up concern among United States Citizens, for this system has elected the candidate who did not win the popular vote and only the electoral vote.
[edit] Constitutional Foundation
Both nations are governed by a constitution. The Uniter States Constitution was the rewritten product of the Articles of Confederation. While the Russian Constitution was a reform of the previous Soviet Constitution. In 1993 when Boris Yeltsin reformed the Soviet Constitution it brought controversy with it. Yeltsin at the time was having trouble trying to get the Congress of People's Deputies to agree to a constitution of his choice. Therefore he enacted a special regime, in which he dissolved the Supreme Soviet and created his own constitution.[24]
Both constitutions were founded to be with a republican form of government. They both cover the same ideas with setting a government with the idea of local and federal government. The both focus also on the rights and liberties of the citizens. They both also mention amendments and revisions. One difference is that there need to be a three-fifths vote by the Federation Council and State Duma.[25] Where as Congress needs to pass a two-thirds vote. Another difference is that in Russian government only the federal government is able to amend of revise the constitution, while in the United States the state legislature's can hold special assemblies in order to ratify the constitution.[26] The last section of the Russian constitution deals with the transition period from the old constitution and how certain laws will stay in territories as long as they interfere with the new constitution.
[edit] References
1 Sidlow, Edward. Henschen, Beth. “America at Odds.” America 2007.
2 Sidlow, Edward. Henschen, Beth. “America at Odds.” America 2007.
3 Sidlow, Edward. Henschen, Beth. “America at Odds.” America 2007.
4 Wikipedia. “Russia.” May 21, 2008. accessed 21 May 2008; available from <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia>
5 Wikipedia. “Russia.” May 21, 2008. accessed 21 May 2008; available from <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia>
6 Wikipedia. “Russia.” May 21, 2008. accessed 21 May 2008; available from <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia>
7 Wikipedia. “Russia.” May 21, 2008. accessed 21 May 2008; available from <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia>
8 Wikipedia. “Russia.” May 21, 2008. accessed 21 May 2008; available from <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia>
9 Wikipedia. “Russia.” May 21, 2008. accessed 21 May 2008; available from <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia>
10 Wikipedia. “Russia.” May 21, 2008. accessed 21 May 2008; available from <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia>
11 Online Encyclopedia Britannica. “United States Domestic Policy.” Year in review 2005. accessed 18 May 2008; available from <http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-250459/United-States>
12 Online Encyclopedia Britannica. “United States Domestic Policy.” Year in review 2005. accessed 18 May 2008; available from <http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-250459/United-States>
13 Online Encyclopedia Britannica. “United States Domestic Policy.” Year in review 2005. accessed 18 May 2008; available from <http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-250459/United-States>
14 “Russia's domestic policy under Vladimir Putin: achievements and failures.” Russian News & Information Agency NOVOSTI. February 29, 2008. accessed 19 May 2008; available from <http://en.rian.ru/anaylsis/20080229/100334445.html>
15 “Russia's domestic policy under Vladimir Putin: achievements and failures.” Russian News & Information Agency NOVOSTI. February 29, 2008. accessed 19 May 2008; available from <http://en.rian.ru/anaylsis/20080229/100334445.html>
16 “Mission and Values: United States Department of States and United States Agency for International Development.” 2007. accessed 20 May 2008; available from <http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/59163.pdf>
17 “About the Commitee on Foreign Affairs.” Adopted January 23, 2007. accessed 20 May 2008; available from <http://www.internationalrelations.house.gov/about.asp?nav=oversight> 18 Wikipedia. “Russia.” May 21, 2008. accessed 21 May 2008; available from <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia>
19 Wikipedia. “Russia.” May 21, 2008. accessed 21 May 2008; available from <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia>
20 Wikipedia. “Russia.” May 21, 2008. accessed 21 May 2008; available from <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia>
21 Wikipedia. “Human rights in Russia.” May 28, 2008. accessed 28 May 2008; available from <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_Russia>
22 Beth Henschen and Edward Sidlow. “America at Odds.” 5th ed. (Thomson Wadsworth), 415.
23 Wikipedia. “Politics of Russia.” May 28, 2008. accessed 28 May 2008; available from <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Russia#cite_ref-0.>
24 Charles Hauss. “Comparative Politics: Domestic Responses to Global Challenges.”6th ed. (Wadsworth, 2009)
25 Wikipedia. “1993 Russian constitutional crisis." May 28, 2008 accessed 28 May 2008; available from <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_constitutional_crisis_of_1993>
26 The Constitution of the Russian Federation. “Russian Constitution.” May 28, 2008 accessed 28 may 2008 <http://www.departments.bucknell.edu/russian/const/ch9.html>
27 Wikipedia. “United States Constitution.” May 28, 2008 accessed 28 May 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Constitution>
