Parliamentary Power in Russia, 1994-2001

This book is the first study of the power of the Russian Parliament in the policy process from 1994-2001, within the context of executive-legislative relations. It challenges the widely held view that between 1994 and 2001 Russia had a presidential system with a strong, authoritarian leader who ruled by decree and a weak parliament which did not have much power.

Auteur

TIFFANY TROXEL completed a Ph.D. in Politics at St Antony's College, Oxford University in 1999. She also received a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. Dr Troxel spent twelve months in Russia researching the Russian Parliament.

Résumé
This is the first study of the Russian parliament's influence and power in the policy process from 1994 to 2001. Tiffany Troxel challenges the widely held view that during this period Russia operated under a presidential system with a strong, authoritarian leader who ruled by decree and a weak parliament which did not wield much power. This book explains how relations between the executive and legislature fluctuated between confrontation and co-operation during this period. Explanations for this crucial trend include President Boris Yeltsin's failing health, the appointment of the Parliament's choice of Prime Minister Yeveniy Primakov, economic crises, Yeltsin's diminished public support, the enhanced ability of parliament to form coalitions and the ever-shrinking areas in which the President could issue decrees. Parliament's assertion of power and its challenge to the executive's authority meant the introduction of significant checks and balances. This is of critical importance to the development and stability of democracy in Russia.

Contenu

Theoretical Modes of Neo-Institutionalism and the Problem of the Russian Case Constitutional Powers of the Russian Presidency and Parliament: The 1993 Russian Constitution Powers Inherent in the Structural Design of the Russian Presidency and Parliament Actual Legislative Powers of the Russian President and Parliament: Parliamentary Laws versus Presidential Decrees Vetoing and Overriding Vetoes on Legislation in Russia Actual Non-legislative Powers of the Russian President and Parliament: Cabinet Formation and Dismissal Budgetary Powers: The Power Struggle between the Executive and Legislature Conclusions: Parliamentary Power and the Democratic Transition and Consolidation Process in Russia Postscript: Parliamentary Power in Russia from May 1999 to January 2001 Bibliography List of Interviews Index