1. Why do you think the Russians decided to create such a strong Presidency? 2. What are the benefits for Russia in having a strong Presidency? What is the downside? 3. Is the Prime Minister ("Chairman of the Russian Federation") as powerful as the Constitution states? Why or why not? 4. Based on your reading/knowledge of Russia, which parts of the Constitution have not been upheld under Putin? 5. Is this Constitution stronger or weaker than the unwritten Constitutions in the UK? Provide examples to support your answer.

1. In December 1993, occurred new elections for parliament and a referendum for a new constitution. A new constitution was created with a strong President. It was created so that Russia could join the world trade organization and increase her trade growth opportunities.

2. The benefits are: republics have their own Constitution, but the downside is the Federal Constitution rules over all. Russia has a semi Presidential system in which the country is governed by the President and the Prime Minister. However, the President is more powerful than the Prime Minister.

3. No. Because, he is the head of the government and economy.

4. The Key features of the Russian Constitution was separation of powers, elections, judiciary, federalism and civil liberties.

5. It is weaker, because Putin as the head of state, foreign poilcy, state security pardons, referendums controls everything. His policies are soft authoritarianism and anti-american. He eliminated elections of regional governors and restricted press and civil liberties.