Federal Assembly (Russia)
The Federal Assembly emerged from the Constitution of the Russian Federation in 1993. This bicameral legislature replaced the former Supreme Soviet of Russia that year. It consists of two distinct chambers: the upper house known as the Federation Council and the lower house called the State Duma. The entire assembly operates out of Moscow, a city that has hosted its sessions since inception. Before 1993, the country functioned under a different legislative framework entirely. The new structure aimed to balance regional representation with direct popular election through the Duma.
All laws must be voted on by the Federal Assembly before they receive presidential signature. Every bill, even those originally proposed by the Federation Council, must first undergo consideration within the State Duma. Upon adoption by a majority of full State Duma membership, the draft law moves to the Federation Council for review. That upper chamber holds fourteen days to place the bill on its calendar. The Federation Council cannot make changes to bills passed by the Duma and can only approve or reject them outright. If the Federation Council rejects a bill, both chambers form a conciliation commission to work out a compromise version. Should no agreement emerge, the Duma can override the veto if two thirds of its constitutional composition vote in favor. Joint sessions occur when the President delivers his annual address or when hearing speeches from foreign state leaders.
The Chairman of the Federation Council holds the third most important position after the President and the Prime Minister. In cases where both the President and the Prime Minister become incapacitated, the Speaker of the upper house assumes the role of Acting President of Russia. Sergey Shakhray explained this arrangement by stating that because it is a federation, the upper house does not dissolve and acts constantly. This specific hierarchy ensures continuity of government during national emergencies involving leadership vacancies. The Constitution of the Russian Federation Article 102 outlines these succession protocols clearly.
Since the 2003 elections, analysts and observers have referred to the Federal Assembly as a rubber stamp institution. Critics argue the legislature lacks independent power compared to other democratic bodies. This assessment suggests that legislative decisions often align with executive branch preferences rather than reflecting genuine debate. Political commentators note that the body rarely blocks major initiatives proposed by the Kremlin. The label implies a symbolic function rather than an active lawmaking role for many years following that election cycle.
In the mid 2000s, officials suggested combining the State Duma and Federation Council into one unified building. President Dmitry Medvedev supported the idea in 2012 due to cramped offices split across ten locations in Moscow. Various areas were examined including Kutuzovsky Avenue, Frunzenskaya Embankment, and Tushino airfield. In September 2014, the Mnyovniki floodplain was selected despite protests from ecologists. Architectural critic Grigory Revzin objected to plans allowing private investors to demolish the existing State Duma building designed by Arkady Langman in 1935. Work on the center was scheduled to begin in 2020 but postponed indefinitely in 2016 due to economic conditions and disagreements over design aesthetics.
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Common questions
When did the Federal Assembly of Russia emerge from the Constitution?
The Federal Assembly emerged from the Constitution of the Russian Federation in 1993. This bicameral legislature replaced the former Supreme Soviet of Russia that same year.
Where does the Federal Assembly operate its sessions?
The entire assembly operates out of Moscow, a city that has hosted its sessions since inception. All legislative activities take place within this capital city.
What happens if the Federation Council rejects a bill passed by the State Duma?
If the Federation Council rejects a bill, both chambers form a conciliation commission to work out a compromise version. Should no agreement emerge, the Duma can override the veto if two thirds of its constitutional composition vote in favor.
Who assumes the role of Acting President of Russia when the President and Prime Minister are incapacitated?
In cases where both the President and the Prime Minister become incapacitated, the Speaker of the upper house assumes the role of Acting President of Russia. The Chairman of the Federation Council holds the third most important position after the President and the Prime Minister.
Why have analysts referred to the Federal Assembly as a rubber stamp institution since 2003?
Since the 2003 elections, analysts and observers have referred to the Federal Assembly as a rubber stamp institution because critics argue the legislature lacks independent power compared to other democratic bodies. Political commentators note that the body rarely blocks major initiatives proposed by the Kremlin.