Russia, officially the Russian Federation, is the largest country in the world, spanning Eastern Europe and northern Asia and covering more than one-eighth of the Earth’s inhabited land area. It operates as a federal semi-presidential republic under its 1993 constitution, with a strong central government led by the President, who serves as both head of state and commander-in-chief. The President appoints the Prime Minister, who manages the day-to-day operations of government. Russia’s legislative body, the Federal Assembly, is bicameral, consisting of the State Duma (lower house) with 450 elected members and the Federation Council (upper house), which represents the country’s federal regions. Russia plays a major role in global geopolitics, energy markets, and international security, making its political structure and governance a frequent subject of global analysis.

The Russian political system formally includes a separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, with the Constitutional Court serving as the highest authority on constitutional matters. However, analysts and international observers often note that political power in Russia is highly centralized, with significant influence concentrated in the presidency. The dominant political party, United Russia, has maintained a strong majority in the State Duma for years, while opposition parties exist but face varying levels of political constraint. Questions surrounding judicial independence, electoral competitiveness, and media freedom continue to shape discussions about democracy and governance in Russia, contributing to its complex political landscape and global perception.