Duma

The DUMA

The State Duma is the lower house of the Russian Parliament.  The upper house is called the Federal Council. The State Duma is known as the Duma for short. The Duma is located in Moscow. The Duma was created in 1905 by Tsar Nicholas II. At that time the Duma met in St Petersburg. The Duma had little power at that time. After the Tsar was overthrown in February the Duma controlled the country. The Bolsheviks seized power in October 1917. The Bolsheviks abolished the Duma. The Supreme Soviet was established instead. This was located in Moscow.

In 1991 the Soviet Union was dissolved. The Russian Federation was formed. Elections are held for the State Duma. Several political parties bid for support.

In the 90s the major party was called Our Home is Russia. It was a party that supported the president at the time – Boris Yeltsin.

In 1999 Vladimir Putin became Prime Minister. He founded a new political party named United Russia. Putin became president and his party almost swept the board in the elections.

In the Duma there are several political parties. Among these are United Russia, the Communist Party, the Liberal Democrats and the A Just Russia. Elections are held at regular intervals. Men and women from all around the Federation are elected to the Duma. They represent the opinions of the public. The issues facing the country are debated. The Duma votes on new laws to introduce. Existing laws are reformulated or repealed. The Duma also controls the budget.

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1. In which year did the tsar open the Duma?
2. In which city is the State Duma situated ?
3. What was the political party of Yeltsin in the 90s?
4. Who became prime minister in 1999?
5. In what year was the Russian Federation created?
6. What is President Putin’s party?
7. Name three parties in the Duma besides United Russia.
8. What does repealing a law mean?
9. Does the Duma control the budget?
10. Where did the Duma meet 1905-17?