The Constitution of the Russian Federation: A Contextual Analysis (Constitutional Systems of the World)

'[The] scholarship is consistently thorough and lucid, and absolutely reliable'European Public LawAs reviews of the first edition attest, this book gives a unique critical and contextual insight into the Constitution of one the world's most powerful countries. Its first edition was published in 2011, when Dmitrii Medvedev was Russia's President. Since then there was a regime change in 2012 as Vladimir Putin returned to the presidency, and, significantly, dramatic shifts in constitutionality as Russia pursues a'return to traditional values'. The book explores the Constitution's evolution over its nearly 30 years'existence, including the significant amendments of 2020. This second edition situates these important changes in the context of Russia's historical and legal development, as Putin continues to dominate the political scene. It also looks at broader constitutional questions on the interrelation between the main State agencies, the role of the courts, human rights and their enforcement. This book provides a critical and contextual understanding of the current Russian Constitution. It comprises seven chapters: an introduction followed by substantive chapters covering specific aspects of Russia's constitutional history, structure and practice: the history and nature of the constitution; an overview of the current 1993 Constitution of the Russian Federation and the background to its adoption by plebiscite; executive power, the role and accountability of the President as Head of State, and the formation and powers of the federal government; the legislature and its formation, elections and the methods for forming the two chambers (State Duma and Federation Council) of the legislature (Federal Assembly); the constitutional role of the courts, the way in which rights are defined in constitutional terms and methods for their enforcement; and finally a concluding chapter that focuses on characteristic features of Russian polity and constitutionality in the context of constitutional stability, reform and change. This is an essential work of reference for anyone who wishes to embark on studying Russian law and politics, and a reflective assessment of progress in the modern era "'[The] scholarship is consistently through and lucid, and absolutely reliable' European Public Law. As reviews of the first edition attest, this book gives a unique critical and contextual insight into the Constitution of one the world's most powerful countries. Its first edition was published in 2011, when Dmitrii Medvedev was Russia's President. Since then there was a regime change in 2012 as Vladimir Putin returned to the presidency, and, significantly, dramatic shifts in constitutionality as Russia pursues a 'return to traditional values'. The book explores the Constitution's evolution over its nearly 30 years' existence, including the significant amendments of 2020. This second edition situates these important changes in the context of Russia's historical and legal development, as Putin continues to dominate the political scene. It also looks at broader constitutional questions on the interrelation between the main State agencies, the role of the courts, human rights and their enforcement"-- Provided by publisher