Russia Explained: AP Comparative Government: Semi-Presidential System, Duma + Rule by Law

<p>Russia is one of the most testable cases in <strong>AP Comparative Government</strong> because it <em>looks</em> like it has democratic institutions—elections, parties, a constitution, and courts—but in practice <strong>power is centralized</strong> and <strong>opposition is limited</strong>. If you can explain the gap between “on paper” and “in reality,” you can handle most AP Russia questions.</p><p>In this video, you’ll learn:</p><ul><li><p>Why Russia is an AP anchor case for <strong>authoritarianism</strong>, <strong>dominant-party systems</strong>, and <strong>managed participation</strong></p></li><li><p>Russia’s modern political story: post-communist transition → <strong>re-centralization of power</strong></p></li><li><p>The basic regime structure: <strong>semi-presidential</strong> (President + Prime Minister), with the <strong>president dominating</strong></p></li><li><p>Key institutions: the <strong>Duma</strong> and the <strong>Federation Council</strong></p></li><li><p>Elections in Russia: they exist, but <strong>competition is managed</strong> and the rules/enforcement environment matters</p></li><li><p>Participation and civil society: protest and media exist, but <strong>independent opposition faces strong pressure</strong></p></li><li><p>The most important AP concept for Russia: <strong>rule of law vs rule by law</strong> (law as a tool of state power)</p></li><li><p>Legitimacy in Russia: commonly tied to <strong>nationalism, stability, and performance</strong></p></li></ul><p><strong>Mr. Hutchings History</strong> | AP Comp Gov Country Explainers</p>