Unofficial translation by John Fowler.

We, the multinational people of the Russian Federation,
united by a common fate in our land,
affirming human rights and liberties, civil peace and accord,
preserving the historical unity of our State,
based on generally recognized principles of the equality and self-determination of peoples,
honoring the memory of our ancestors, who have given us our love and respect for the Fatherland, our belief in good and fairness,
reinstating the sovereign statehood of Russia and affirming the firmness of its democratic foundation,
striving to secure the well-being and prosperity of Russia,
based on our responsibility for our Homeland to the generations of today and tomorrow,
recognizing ourselves as a part of the world community,
hereby adopt this CONSTITUTION OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Section One

Chapter 1. Foundations of the Constitutional Order
Chapter 2. Human Rights and Liberties and Citizens’ Rights and Liberties
Chapter 3. Federative System
Chapter 4. President of the Russian Federation
Chapter 5. Federal Assembly
Chapter 6. Government of the Russian Federation
Chapter 7. Judiciary
Chapter 8. Local Self-governance
Chapter 9. Constitutional Amendments and Review

Section Two.  Concluding and Transitional Provisions

Section One
Chapter 1. Foundations of the Constitutional Order
Article 1

1. The Russian Federation, or Russia, is a democratic federative legal state with a republican form of governance.
2. The names Russian Federation and Russia are interchangeable. Article 2 The individual and his rights and liberties are a supreme value.  The recognition, observance and protection of the rights and liberties of the individual and of citizens are the obligation of the state Article 3 1. The bearer of sovereignty and the sole source of power in the Russian Federation is its multinational people.
2. The people shall exercise their power directly, as well as through bodies of state authority and bodies of self-governance.
3. The supreme direct expression of the people’s power shall be the referendum and free elections.
4. No one may usurp power in the Russian Federation.  The seizure of power or usurpation of authorities shall be prosecuted pursuant to federal law. Article 4 1. The sovereignty of the Russian Federation shall extend to its entire territory.
2. The Constitution of the Russian Federation and federal laws shall prevail throughout the entire territory of the Russian Federation.
3. The Russian Federation shall security the unity and inviolability of its territory. Article 5 1. The Russian Federation consists of republics, krais, oblasts, cities of federal significance, the autonomous oblast and autonomous okrugs, which are equal constituent entities of the Russian Federation.
2. Republics (states) shall have their own constitutions and legislation.  Krais, oblasts, cities of federal significance and autonomous okrugs shall have their own charters and legislation.
3. The federative structure of the Russian Federation is based on its state unity, the unity of the system of state authority, the delimitation of subjects of management and authorities between bodies of state authority of the Russian Federation and bodies of state authority of constituents of the Russian Federation, on the equality and self-determination of peoples in the Russian Federation.
4. In relations with federal bodies of state authority, all constituent entities of the Russian Federation are equal. Article 6 1.  Citizenship of the Russian Federation is acquired and terminated in accordance with federal law, is unified and equal irrespective of the grounds on which it was acquired.
2.  Each citizen of the Russian Federation holds in its territory all of the rights and liberties and bears equal obligations stipulated by the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
3.  No citizen of the Russian Federation may be deprived of his citizenship or of the right to change it. Article 7 1.  The Russian Federation is a social State whose policies are directed towards the creation of conditions which provide a dignified life and free development for individuals.
2.  Labor and the health of persons are protected in the Russian Federation, a guaranteed minimum wage is established, State support for the family, motherhood, fatherhood and childhood, handicapped and elderly persons is provided, a system of social services shall be developed, state pensions, subsidies and other social welfare guarantees shall be established. Article 8 1.  The unity of the economic space, the free movement of goods, services and financial resources, the support of competition and freedom of economic activity are guaranteed in the Russian Federation.
2.  Private, State, municipal and other forms of ownership shall be equally recognized and protected in the Russian Federation. Article 9 1.  Land and other natural resources shall be used and protected in the Russian Federation as the foundation of life and the activity of the peoples living in this territory.
2.  Land and other natural resources may be under private, State, municipal and other forms of ownership. Article 10 State authority in the Russian Federation is exercised on the basis of their separation into legislative, executive and judicial branches.  Bodies of legislative, executive and judicial authority are independent. Article 11 1.  In the Russian Federation State authority shall be exercised by the President of the Russian Federation, the Federal Assembly (Federation Council and State Duma), the Government of the Russian Federation and courts of the Russian Federation.
2.  In constituent entities of the Russian Federation State authority shall be exercised by bodies of state authority formed thereby.
3.  The delimitation of subjects of management and authorities between bodies of State authority of the Russian Federation and bodies of State authority of subjects of the Russian Federation shall be established by this Constitution, Federative and other agreements on the delimitation of subjects of management and authorities. Article 12 Local self-governance shall be recognized and guaranteed in the Russian Federation.  Local self-governance shall be independent within the bounds of its authorities.  Bodies of local self-governance are not included in the system of bodies of State management. Article 13 1.  Ideological diversity is declared in the Russian Federation.
2.  No ideology may be established as a State or compulsory ideology.
3.  The Russian Federation shall have political diversity and a multiparty system.
4.  Public association are equal before the law.
5.  The establishment and activity of public associations whose objectives or actions are directed towards the forced change of the foundations of the constitutional order or the violation of the unity of the Russian Federation, undermining the security of the State, establishing armed formations, inflaming social, racist, national and religious discord shall be prohibited. Article 14 1.  The Russian Federation is a secular State.  No religion may be established as a State or compulsory religion.
2.  Religious associations are separate from the State and equal before the law. Article 15 1.  The Constitution of the Russian Federation shall have the highest legal force, direct effect, and shall be applicable in the whole territory of the Russian Federation.  Laws and other legal acts which are adopted in the Russian Federation must not contravene the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
2.  Bodies of State authority, bodies of local self-governance, officials, citizens and their associations must observe the Constitution of the Russian Federation and laws.
3.  Laws must be officially published.  Unpublished laws may not be applied.  Any normative legal acts affecting human and citizens’ rights, liberties and duties may not be applied unless they were officially published for universal information.
4.  Generally accepted principles and norms of international law and international agreements of the Russian Federation shall be an integral part of its legal system.  If an international agreement of the Russian Federation established rules other than those stipulated by law, the rules of the international agreement shall be applicable. Article 16 1.  The provisions of this Chapter of the Constitution constitute the foundations of the constitutional order of the Russian Federation and may only be amended in accordance with the procedure established by this Constitution.
2.  No other provisions of this Constitution may contravene the foundations of the constitutional order of the Russian Federation.

Chapter 2.  Human Rights and Liberties and Citizens’ Rights and Liberties

Article 17

1.  In the Russian Federation human rights and liberties and citizens’ rights and liberties shall be recognized and guaranteed according to generally accepted principles and norms of international law, and in accordance with this Constitution.
2.  Fundamental human rights and liberties are inalienable and are enjoyed by everyone from birth.
3.  The exercise of human rights and liberties and citizens’ rights and liberties must not violate the rights and liberties of other persons. Article 18 Human rights and liberties and citizens’ rights and liberties are immediately effective.  They shall determine the sense, content and application of laws, the activity of legislative and executive authority, and local self-governance, and shall be secured by the system of justice. Article 19 1.  All are equal before the law and the courts.
2.  The State shall guarantee the equality of human and citizens’ rights and liberties irrespective of gender, race, nationality, language, origin, property ownership or office, place of residence, attitudes towards religion, convictions, membership in public associations, as well as other circumstances.  No form of limitation on citizens’ rights based on social status, race, ethnicity (nationality), language or religious confession may be permitted.
3.  Men and women shall have equal rights and liberties and equal opportunities for the realization thereof. Article 20 1.  Every person shall have the right to life.
2.  Until it is revoked, the death penalty may be established by federal law as an exceptional measure of punishment for especially heinous crimes against life, provided that the accused is given the right to have his case reviewed by a court with the participation of jurors. Article 21 1.  The dignity of persons shall be protected by the State.  Nothing may serve as grounds for its reduction.
2.  No one may be subjected to torture, violence or other treatment or punishment which is cruel or degrading.  No one may be subjected to medical, scientific or other experiments without his free consent. Article 22 1.  Every person has the right to freedom and personal inviolability/integrity.
2.  Arrest and holding in custody shall permitted only by a court decision.  A person may not be kept in custody for a term of more than 48 hours. Article 23 1.  Each person has the right to the inviolability of private life, private and family secrecy, the protection of his honor and good name.
2.  Each person has the right to the secrecy of correspondence, telephone calls, postal, telegraph and other correspondence.  Limitation of that right shall only be permitted on the basis of a court decision. Article 24 1.  The collection, use and distribution of information on the private life of an individual without his consent shall not be permitted.
2.  Bodies of state authority and bodies of local self-governance, and their officials, must provide everyone with the opportunity to review documents and materials directly concerning his rights and liberties, unless otherwise stipulated by law. Article 25 Housing is inviolable.  No one may enter housing against the will of those residing therein, except where established by federal law, or on the basis of a court decision. Article 26 1.  Every person has the right to determine and specify his ethnicity [nationality].  No one may be forced to determine and specify his ethnicity.
2.  Every person has the right to use his native tongue, to the free choice of language for interaction, rearing, education and creativity. Article 27 1.  Every person who is lawfully located in the territory of the Russian Federation has the right to move, select his place of stay and residence freely.
2.  Every person may freely depart from the Russian Federation.  Citizens of the Russian Federation have the right to return to the Russian Federation unhindered. Article 28 Each person is guaranteed freedom of conscience, freedom of confession, including the right to practice any religion individually or jointly with others or not to practice any religion, to freely chose, have and distribute religious and other convictions and act in accordance therewith. Article 29 1.  Each person is guaranteed freedom of thought and speech.
2.  Propaganda and agitation which incite social, racial, ethnic or religious hatred and animosity shall not be permitted.  Propaganda of social, racial, ethnic, religious or linguistic supremacy shall not be permitted.
3.  No one may be forced to express his opinions or convictions or to denounce them.
4.  Each person has the right freely to seek, obtain, transfer, produce and distribute information by any lawful means.  The list of information constituting as State secret shall be determined by federal law.
5.  The freedom of the mass media is guaranteed.  Censorship is prohibited. Article 30 1.  Every person has the right of association, including the right to create professional unions for the protection of their interests.  Freedom of activity for public associations is guaranteed.
2.  No one may be forced to enter into any association or be present in it. Article 31 Citizens of the Russian Federation shall have the right to gather peacefully without arms, to conduct gatherings, meetings and demonstrations, marches and pickets. Article 32 1.  Citizens of the Russian Federation have the right to participate in the management of state affairs both directly and through their representatives.
2.  Citizens of the Russian Federation have the right to elect and be elected to bodies of State authority and bodies of local self-governance, as well as to participate in referendums.
3.  Citizens who have been declared as lacking capacity by a court, as well as those held in prison pursuant to a court sentence, shall not have the right to elect and be elected.
4.  Citizens of the Russian Federation have equal access to civil service.
5.  Citizens of the Russian Federation have the right to participate in the administration of justice. Article 33 Citizens of the Russian Federation shall have the right to petition personally, as well as to send individual and collective petitions, to state bodies and bodies of local self-governance. Article 34 1.  Each person has the right to the free use of his abilities and property for entrepreneurial and other economic activity not prohibited by law.
2.  Economic activity directed towards monopolization or unscrupulous competition shall not be permitted. Article 35 1.  The right of private ownership shall be protected by law.
2.  Every person has the right to own property, to possess, use and dispose of it either individually or jointly with other persons.
3.  No one may be deprived of his property, except by a decision of a court.  Forced alienation of property for State needs may only be carried out provided that preliminary and equal recompense is made.
4.  The right of inheritance is guaranteed. Article 36 1.  Citizens and their associations have the right to private ownership of land.
2.  The possession, use and disposal of land and other natural resources may be carried out by their owners freely, unless this damages the environment or violates the rights and lawful interests of other persons.
3.  The conditions and procedure for the use of land shall be determined on the basis of a federal law. Article 37 1.  Employment is free.  Every person has the right to use his abilities to work, chose his type of activity and profession.
2.  Forced labor is prohibited.
3.  Every person has the right to employment in conditions which conform to safety and hygiene requirements, to compensation for work without any discrimination and not lower than the minimum wage established by federal law, as well as the right to protection from unemployment.
4.  The right to individual and collective labor disputes using the means established by federal law for their resolution, including the right to strike, is hereby recognized.
5.  Every person has the right to vacation.  Persons working under an employment agreement shall be guaranteed the duration of working time, weekends and holidays established by federal law, and a paid annual vacation. Article 38 1.  Motherhood, childhood and the family are under the protection of the State.
2.  Care for children and the raising of children is an equal right and obligation of parents.
3.  Employable children who have reached 18 years of age must care for parents unable to work. Article 39 1.  Every person shall be guaranteed social security on the basis of age, in the event of illness, disability, loss of breadwinner, for raising children, and in other cases established by law.
2.  State pensions and social subsidies shall be established by law.
3.  Voluntary social insurance and the creation of additional forms of social security and charity shall be encouraged. Article 40 1.  Every person shall have the right to housing.  No person may be arbitrarily deprived of his housing.
2.  Bodies of State authority and bodies of local self-governance shall encourage residential construction, and create conditions for the exercise of the right to housing.
3.  The underprivileged and other citizens indicated in law who need housing shall be provided with it for free or for a reasonable fee from State, municipal and other housing in accordance with the norms established by law. Article 41 1.  Every person shall have the right to the preservation of health and to medical assistance.  Medical assistance at State and municipal healthcare institutions shall be rendered to citizens free of charge at the expense of the funds of the corresponding budget, insurance contributions and other proceeds.
2.  In the Russian Federation federal programs for the preservation and strengthening of the health of the population shall be financed, measures for the development of State, municipal and private systems of healthcare shall be developed, activity facilitating the strengthening of people’s health, the development of physical fitness and sport, and environmental, sanitation and epidemiological well-being shall be encouraged.
3.  The concealment by officials of instances or circumstances which create a threat to people’s lives or health shall give rise to liability in accordance with federal law. Article 42 Every person has the right to a favorable environment, authentic information on its state and to compensation for damages caused to his health or property by violations of environmental law. Article 43 1. Every person has the right to education.
2. Generally accessible and free pre-school, primary and secondary professional education shall be guaranteed at state and municipal educational institutions and at enterprises.
3. Every person has the right on a competitive basis to receive free higher education at a state or municipal educational institution and at an enterprise.
4. Primary school education is compulsory.  Parents or guardians shall ensure that children receive primary school education.
5. The Russian Federation shall establish federal state educational standards, and support various forms of education and self-education. Article 44 1. Every person shall be guaranteed freedom of literary, artistic, scientific, technical and other types of creative activity, and teaching.  Intellectual property is protected by law.
2. Every person has the right to participate in cultural life and use cultural institutions, and to access to cultural valuables.
3. Every person must preserve historical and cultural heritage, and protect historical and cultural monuments. Article 45 1. State protection of human and civil rights and liberties in the Russian Federation shall be guaranteed.
2. Every person has the right to defend his rights and liberties with all means not prohibited by law. Article 46 1. Every person shall be guaranteed judicial defense of this rights and liberties.
2. Decisions and actions (or omissions) of bodies of state authority, bodies of local self-government, public associations and officials may be contested in court.
3. Every person has the right, in accordance with international agreements of the Russian Federation, to appeal to inter-governmental bodies for the protection of human rights and liberties, if all available internal state means for legal defense are exhausted. Article 47 1. No person may be stripped of the right to the consideration of his/her case in the court and by the judge to whose jurisdiction it is assigned.
2. A person accused of committing a crime has the right to the examination of his/her case by a court with the participation of jurors in the cases envisaged in federal law. Article 48 1. Every person shall be guaranteed the right to receive qualified legal assistance.  Where envisaged by law, legal assistance shall be rendered free of charge.
2. Every person detained, held in custody or accused of a crime shall have the right to use the assistance of a lawyer (defender) from the moment of the corresponding detainment, holding in custody or accusation. Article 49 1. Every person accused of a crime shall be considered innocent until his/her guilt is proven in accordance with the procedure prescribed by law and established by a verdict of the court which has entered into lawful force.
2. Accused persons shall not be obligated to prove their innocence.
3. Doubts remaining as to the guilt of a person shall be interpreted in the accused person's favor. Article 50 1. No one may be tried more than once for one and the same crime.
2. During the administration of justice, the use of evidence obtained in violation of federal law shall not be permitted.
3. Every person found guilty of a crime shall have the right to a review of the verdict by a superior court in accordance with the procedure established by federal law, and also the right to ask for clemency or a mitigation of the punishment. Article 51 1. No one may be force to testify against himself, his spouse or close relatives, as defined by federal law.
2. Federal law may establish other cases releasing persons from the obligation to give testimonial evidence. Article 52 The rights of victims of crimes and abuses by the government shall be protected by law.  The state shall secure access for victims to justice and compensation of damages incurred. Article 53 Every person shall have the right to compensation by the state of damages caused by unlawful actions (or omissions) of bodies of state authority or their officials. Article 54 1. A law establishing or increasing liability shall not have retroactive force.
2. No person shall bear liability for any action which at the time of its commission was not considered to be a violation of law.  If after the commission of a legal violation the liability for it is eliminated or reduced, the new law shall be applicable. Article 55 1. The enumeration in the Constitution of the Russian Federation of basic rights and liberties shall not be interpreted as a negation or diminishment of other generally recognized human and civil rights and liberties.
2. Laws eliminating or diminishing human and civil rights and liberties must not be issued in the Russian Federation.
3. Human and civil rights and liberties may limited by federal law only to the extent that this is necessary for the purposes of defending the foundations of the constitutional order, morality, health, rights and lawful interests of other persons, the provision of defense for the country and the security of the state. Article 56 1. During a state of emergency, certain limitations on rights and liberties, with reference to the limits and term for their effect, may be established in accordance with federal constitutional law to ensure the security of citizens and the defense of the constitutional order.
2. A state of emergency in the entire territory of the Russian Federation or in separate localities may be introduced in the presence of the circumstances and in accordance with the procedure established by federal constitutional law.
3. The rights and liberties envisaged in articles 20, 21, 23 (part 1), 24, 28, 34 (part 1), 40 (part 1) and 46-54 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation may not be limited. Article 57 Every person shall be obligated to pay lawfully established taxes and duties.  Laws establishing new taxes or worsening the position of taxpayers may not have retroactive force. Article 58 Every person shall have the right to preserve nature and the environment, and be careful with natural wealth. Article 59 1. The defense of the Fatherland is the duty and obligation of a citizen of the Russian Federation.
2. Citizens of the Russian Federation shall bear military service in accordance with federal law.
3. A citizen of the Russian Federation, in the event that his/her convictions or confession is contradicted by military service, as well as in other cases established by federal law, shall have the right to alternative civil service. Article 60 Citizens of the Russian Federation may independently exercise to the full extent their rights and obligations from the age of 18. Article 61 1. A citizen of the Russian Federation may not be exiled outside the borders of the Russian Federation or handed over to another state.
2. The Russian Federation shall guarantee its citizens defense and protection outside of its borders. Article 62 1. Citizens of the Russian Federation may have citizenship of another state (dual citizenship) in accordance with federal law or an international agreement of the Russian Federation.
2. The possession by a citizen of the Russian Federation of a foreign state shall not diminish his/her rights and liberties and shall not exempt him/her from the obligations arising from the Russian citizenship, unless otherwise envisaged by federal law or international agreement of the Russian Federation.
3. Foreign citizens and stateless persons in the Russian Federation shall enjoy rights and bear obligations on the same level with the citizens of the Russian Federation, except where established by federal law or international agreement of the Russian Federation. Article 63 1. The Russian Federation shall grant political asylum to foreign citizens and stateless persons in accordance with generally recognized norms of international law.
2. In the Russian Federation it shall not be permitted to issue to other states persons persecuted for political convictions, nor for actions (or omissions) not recognized in the Russian Federation to be a crime.  The issue of persons accused of a crime, as well as the transfer of those found guilty to serve their sentence in other states shall be carried out on the basis of federal law or international agreement of the Russian Federation. Article 64 The provisions of this Chapter constitute the foundations for the legal status of theindividual in the Russian Federation and may only be amended in accordance with the procedure established by this Constitution.

Chapter 3.  Federative System
Article 65

1. The composition of the Russian Federation includes the following constituent entities of the Russian Federation:
the Republic of Adygeya (Adygeya), the Republic of Altai, the Republic of Bashkortostan, the Republic of Buryatiya, the Republic of Dagestan, the Ingush Republic, the Kabardino-Balkarskaya Republic, the Republic of Kalmykia – Khalmg Tangch, the Karachaevo-Cherkesskaya Republic, the Republic of Karelia, the Republic of Komi, the Republic of Marii El, the Republic of Mordovia, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), the Republic of North Osetia, the Republic of Tatarstan (Tatarstan), the Republic of Tyva, the Udmurtskaya Republic, the Republic of Khakasiya, the Chechen Republic, the Chuvash Republic – Chavash Republic;
the Altai krai, the Krasnodar krai, the Krasnoyarsk krai, the Primorsky krai, the Stavropol krai, the Khabarovsk krai;
the Amurskaya oblast, the Arkhangelskaya oblast, the Astrakhan oblast, the Belgorod oblast, the Bryansk oblast, the Vladimirskaya oblast, the Volgorodskaya oblast, the Vologodskaya oblast, the Voronezh oblast, the Ivanov oblast, the Irkutsk oblast, the Kaliningrad oblast, the Kaluzhskaya oblast, the Kamchatskaya oblast, the Kemerovskaya oblast, the Kirov oblast, the Kostroma oblast, the Kurganskaya oblast, the Kurskaya oblast, the Leningradskaya oblast, the Lipetsk oblast, the Magadanskaya oblast, the Moskovskaya oblast, the Murmanskaya oblast, the Nizhegorodskaya oblast, the Novgorodskaya oblast, the Novosibirskaya oblast, the Omsk oblast, the Orenburgskaya oblast, the Orlovskaya oblast, the Penzenskaya oblast, the Permskaya oblast, the Pskovskaya oblast, the Rostovskaya oblast, the Ryazanskaya oblast, the Samarskaya oblast, the Sverdlovskskaya oblast, the Smolenskay oblast, the Tambovskaya oblast, the Tverskaya oblast, the Tomskaya oblast, the Tulskaya oblast, the Tyumenskaya oblast, the Ulyanovskaya oblast, the Chelyabinskaya oblast, the Chitinskaya oblast, the Yaroslavskay oblast;
Moscow, St. Petersburg – cities of federal significance;
the Jewish autonomous oblast;
the Aginsky Buryatsky autonomous okrug, the Komi-Permyatsky autonomous okrug, the Koryaksky autonomous okrug, the Nenets autonomous okrug, the Taimyrsky (Dolgano-Nenets) autonomous okrug, the Ust-Ordynsky Buryatsky autonomous okrug, the Khanty-Mansiisk autonomous okrug, the Chukotsky autonomous okrug, the Evenkiisky autonomous okrug, and the Yamalo-Nenets autonomous okrug.
2. The acceptance to the Russian Federation and formation within its composition of a new constituent entity shall be carried out in accordance with the procedure established by federal constitutional law. Article 66 1. The status of a republic is determined by the Constitution of the Russian Federation and the constitution of the republic.
2. The status of krais, oblasts, cities of federal significance, the autonomous oblast, and the autonomous okrugs is defined by the Constitution of the Russian Federation and the charter of the krais, oblasts, cities of federal signficance, the autonomous oblast and autonomous okrugs, adopted by the legislative (representative) body of the corresponding constituent entity of the Russian Federation.
3. Upon a submission from the legislative and executive bodies of the autonomous oblast or an autonomous okrug, a federal law may be aodopted on the autonomous oblast or the autonomous okrug.
4. The relations of autonomous okrugs included in the composition of a krai or oblast may be regulated by federal law or an agreement between the bodies of state authority of the autonomous okrug, and, correspondingly, the bodies of state authority of the krai or oblast.
5. The status of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation may be amended with the mutual agreement of the Russian Federation and the constituent entity of the Russian Federation in accordance with federal constitutional law. Article 67 1. The territory of the Russian Federation shall include the territories of its constituent entities, internal waters and the territorial sea, and the air space above them.
2. The Russian Federation holds sovereign rights and exercises jurisdiction over the continental shelf and in the exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation in accordance with the procedure determined by federal law and the norms of international law.
3. The borders between constituent entities of the Russian Federation may be changed with their mutual agreement. Article 68 1. The state language of the Russian Federation in its entire territory is the Russian language.
2. Republics have the right to establish their own state languages.  At bodies of state authority, bodies of local self-government and state institutions of republics they shall be used along with the state language of the Russian Federation.
3. The Russian Federation shall guarantee to all its peoples the right to preserve their native languages, and establish conditions for their study and development. Article 69 The Russian Federation guarantees the rights of native minority peoples in accordance with generally recognized principles and norms of international law and international agreements of the Russian Federation. Article 70 1. The state flag, seal and hymn of the Russian Federation, their descriptions and the procedure for official use shall be established by federal constitutional law.
2. The capital of the Russian Federation is the city of Moscow.  The status of the capital is established by federal law. Article 71 The following are under the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation:
a) the adoption and amendment of the Constitution of the Russian Federation and federal laws, and control over compliance therewith;
b) the federative structure and the territory of the Russian Federation;
c) regulation and defense of human and civil rights and liberties, citizenship in the Russian Federation; regulation and protection of the rights of national minorities;
d) the establishment of a system of federal bodies of legislative, executive and judicial authority, the procedure for their organization and activity, and the formation of federal bodies of state authority;
e) federal state property and its management;
f) establishment of the foundations for a federal policy, and federal programs in the sphere of state, economic, environmental, social, cultural and national development of the Russian Federation;
g) establishment of the legal foundations for a unified market, financial, currency, credit and customs regulation, monetary issues, the foundations of price policy; and federal economic services, including federal banks;
h) the federal budget; federal taxes and duties; federal regional development funds;
i) federal power systems, nuclear power, fissionable materials, federal transport, railways, information and communications, activity in space;
j) foreign policy and international relations of the Russian Federation, international agreements of the Russian Federation; questions of war and peace;
k) foreign economic relations of the Russian Federation;
l) defense and security; defense production; determination of a procedure for the sale and purchase of weaponry, munitions, military equipment and other military property; production of nuclear materials, narcotic materials and the procedure for their use;
m) determination of the status of and defense of the state border, the territorial sea, airspace, the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Russian Federation;
n) the judiciary; the prosecutor's office; criminal, criminal procedure and criminal justice legislation; amnesty and clemency; civil, civil procedure and arbitration procedure legislation; legal regulation of intellectual property;
o) federal collision law;
p) the meteorological service, standards, models, system of measurement and keeping of time; geodesy and cartography; names of geographic objects; official statistics and accounting;
q) state awards and honorary titles of the Russian Federation.
r) federal state service. Article 72 1. The following are under the joint jurisdiction of the Russian Federation:
a) secure the conformity of constitutions and laws of republics, charters, laws and other normative legal acts of krais, oblasts, cities of federal significance, the autonomous oblast and autonomous okrugs to the Constitution of the Russian Federation and federal laws ;
b) the defense of human and civil rights and liberties; the defense rights of national minorities; securing lawfulness, legal order, public safety; regimes for border zones;
c) questions concerning the possession, use and disposal of land, subsurface, water and other natural resources;
d) delimitation of state property;
e) the use of nature; protection of the environment and ensuring environmental safety; specially protected natural territories; protection of historical and cultural monuments;
f) general questions concerning upbringing, education, science, culture, physical fitness and sport;
g) coordination of questions concerning healthcare, the protection of the family, motherhood, fatherhood and childhood, social protection, including social welfare;
h) implementation of measures to combat catastrophes, natural disasters and epidemics; the liquidation of their effects;
i) establishment of general principles for taxation and duties in the Russian Federation;
j) administrative, administrative and procedural, labor, family, housing, land, water and forest legislation, legislation on subsurface resources and on the protection of the environment;
k) employees of court and law-enforcement bodies, legal advocacy, notaries;
l) protection of the indigenous habitat and traditional life-style of small ethnic societies;
m) the establishment of general principles for the organization of bodies state authority and local self-government;
n) coordination of international foreign economic relations of constituent entities of the Russian Federation, implementation of international agreements of the Russian Federation.
2. The provisions of this article shall extend equally to republics, krais, oblasts, cities of federal signficance, the autonomous oblast and autonomous okrugs. Article 73 Outside of the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation and authorities of the Russian Federation for subjects of joint management of the Russian Federation, constituent entities of the Russian Federation shall hold state power to the full extent. Article 74 1. It shall not be permitted in the territory of the Russian Federation to establish customs borders, duties, levies or any other hindrances to the free movement of goods, services and financial resources.
2. Restrictions on the movement of goods and services may be imposed in accordance with federal law if this is necessary to ensure security, protect the life and health of people, protect nature and cultural valuables.
Article 75 1. The monetary unit in the Russian Federation is the ruble.  Monetary issue may be carried out exclusively by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation.  The introduction and issue of other monies in the Russian Federation shall not be permitted.
2. Protecting and ensuring the stability of the ruble is the primary function of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, which is shall carry out independently of other bodies of state authority.
3. The system of taxes exacted to the federal budget, and the general principles of taxation and duties in the Russian Federation shall be established by federal law.
4. State loans shall be issued in accordance with the procedure determined by federal law, and shall be placed on a voluntary basis. Article 76 1. For the subjects of the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation federal constitutional laws and federal laws shall be adopted which have direct effect in the entire territory of the Russian Federation.
2. For the subjects of the joint jurisdiction of the Russian Federation and constituent entities of the Russian Federation, federal laws and laws and other normative legal acts of constituent entities of the Russian Federation adopted in accordance therewith shall be issued.
3. Federal laws may not contravene federal constitutional laws.
4. Outside of the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation and joint jurisdiction of the Russian Federation and constituent entities of the Russian Federation, republics, krais, oblasts, cities of federal significance, the autonomous oblast and autonomous okrugs shall carry out their own legal regulation, including the adoption of laws and other normative legal acts.
5. Laws and other normative legal acts of constituent entities of the Russian Federation may not contravene federal laws adopted in accordance with parts one and two of this article.  In the event of a contradiction between federal law and another act issued in the Russian Federation, the federal law shall prevail.
6. In the event of a contradiction between a federal law and a normative legal act of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation issued in accordance with part four of this article, the normative legal act of the constituent entity of the Russian Federation shall prevail. Article 77 1. The system of bodies of state authority of republics, krais, oblasts, cities of federal significance, the autonomous oblast and autonomous okrugs shall be established by the constituent entities of the Russian Federation independently in accordance with the foundations for the constitutional order of the Russian Federation and the general principles for the organization of representative and executive bodies of state authority, which are established by federal law.
2. Within the bounds of the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation and the authorities of the Russian Federation for subjects of joint jurisdiction of the Russian Federation and constituent entities of the Russian Federation, federal bodies of executive authority and bodies of executive authority of constituent entities of the Russian Federation shall form a unified system of executive authority in the Russian Federation. Article 78 1. Federal bodies of executive authority, for the exercise of their authorities, may establish their own territorial bodies and appoint corresponding officials.
2. By agreement with bodies of executive authority of constituent entities of the Russian Federation, federal bodies of executive authority may transfer to them a portion of their authorities, if this does not contravene the Constitution of the Russian Federation or federal laws.
3. Bodies of executive authority of constituent entities of the Russian Federation, by agreement with federal bodies of executive authority, may transfer to them a portion of their authorities.
4. The President of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Russian Federation shall secure the exercise in accordance with the Constitution of the Russian Federation of authorities of federal state power in the entire territory of the Russian Federation. Article 79 The Russian Federation may participate in inter-governmental associations and transfer to them a part of its authorities in accordance with international agreements, if this does not give rise to a restriction of human and civil rights and liberties and does not contravene the principles of the constitutional order of the Russian Federation.

Chapter 4. President of the Russian Federation
Article 80

1. The President of the Russian Federation is the head of state.
2. The President of the Russian Federation is the guarantor of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, and of human and civil rights and liberties.  In accordance with the procedure established by the Constitution of the Russian Federation he/she adopts measures to protect the sovereignty of the Russian Federation, its independence and state integrity, ensures agreed functioning and interaction of bodies of state authority.
3. The President of the Russian Federation, in accordance with the Constitution of the Russian Federation and federal laws, shall determine the primary directions for the state's internal and foreign policy.
4. The President of the Russian Federation, as the head of state, shall represent the Russian Federation inside the country and in international relations. Article 81 The President of the Russian Federation shall be elected for four years by the citizens of the Russian Federation on the basis of a universal equal and direct electoral right during secret voting.
2. A citizen of the Russian Federation not younger than 35 years of age who has permanently resided in the Russian Federation for not less than 10 years may be elected President of the Russian Federation.
3. One and the same person may not occupy the post of President of the Russian Federation more than two terms in a row.
4. The procedure for the elections of the President of the Russian Federation shall be defined by federal law. Article 82 1. Upon taking office the President of the Russian Federation shall take the following oath to the people:
"I promise in exercising the authorities of the President of the Russian Federation to respect and protect human and civil rights and liberties, observe and defend the Constitution of the Russian Federation, defend the sovereignty and independence, security and integrity of the state, and faithfully serve the people."
2. The oath shall be taken in a solemn setting in the presence of the members of the Federation Council, deputies of the State Duma and judges of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation. Article 83 The President of the Russian Federation:
a) appoints, with the consent of the State Duma, the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation;
b) has the right to preside at sessions of the Government of the Russian Federation;
c) adopts decisions to dismiss the Government of the Russian Federation;
d) presents to the State Duma the candidature for appointment to the post of Chairman of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation; puts to the State Duma the question of the removal from office of the Chairman of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation;
e) upon a submission from the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation appoints and dismisses Deputy Chairmen of the Government of the Russian Federation and federal ministers;
f) presents to the Federation Council candidatures for appointment to the positions of judges of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, the Supreme Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation, as well as the candidature of the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation; submits to the Federation Council proposals to remove from office the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation; appoints judges of other federal courts;
g) forms and head the Security Council of the Russian Federation, whose status is determined by federal law;
h) approves the military doctrine of the Russian Federation;
i) forms the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation;
j) appoints and dismisses plenipotentiaries of the President of the Russian Federation;
k) appoints and dismisses the highest commanders of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation;
l) appoints and recalls, after consultations with corresponding committees or commissions of chambers of the Federal Assembly, diplomatic representatives of the Russian Federation to foreign states and international organizations. Article 84 The President of the Russian Federation:
a) schedules elections of the State Duma in accordance with the Constitution of the Russian Federation and federal law;
b) dissolves the State Duma in the cases and in accordance with the procedure envisaged by the Constitution of the Russian Federation;
c) schedules referenda in accordance with the procedure established by federal constitutional law;
d) submits draft laws to the State Duma;
e) signs and publishes federal laws;
f) gives the Federal Assembly annual addresses on the state of the country, on the primary directions of the internal and foreign policy of the state. Article 85 1. The President of the Russian Federation may use conciliation procedures in order to resolve disputes between bodies of state authority of the Russian Federation and bodies of state authority of constituent entities of the Russian Federation, as well as between bodies of state authority of constituent entities of the Russian Federation.  In the event that an agreed solution is not achieved, he/she may transfer the resolution of the dispute for consideration to the relevant court.
2. The President of the Russian Federation has the right to suspend the force of acts of bodies of executive authority of constituent entities of the Russian Federation in the event that those acts contravene the Constitution of the Russian Federation or federal laws, the international obligations of the Russian Federation or violate human or civil rights and liberties, until the resolution of this issue by the relevant court. Article 86 The President of the Russian Federation:
a) the conduct the foreign policy of the Russian Federation;
b) shall conduct negotiations and sign international agreements of the Russian Federation;
c) shall sign ratification instruments;
d) shall accept letters of credence and recall from diplomatic missions accredited under him/her. Article 87 1. The President of the Russian Federation is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
2. In the event of aggression against the Russian Federation or indirect threat of aggression, the President of the Russian Federation shall introduce in the territory of the Russian Federation or in certain localities martial law with immediate notification of this to the Federation Council and State Duma.
3. The regime for martial law shall be determined by federal constitutional law. Article 88 The President of the Russian Federation, under the circumstances and in accordance with the procedure envisaged by federal constitutional law, may introduce in the territory of the Russian Federation or in certain of its localities a state of emergency with the immediate notification of this to the Federation Council and State Duma. Article 89 The President of the Russian Federation
a) decides questions of citizenship of the Russian Federation and the provision of political asylum;
b) awards state awards of the Russian Federation, bestows honorary titles of the Russian Federation, highest military and highest special titles; and
c) grants clemency. Article 90 1. The President of the Russian Federation issues edicts and directives;
2. Edicts and directives of the President of the Russian Federation shall be bind in the entire territory of the Russian Federation.
3. Edicts and directives of the President of the Russian Federation must not contravene the Constitution of the Russian Federation and federal laws. Article 91 The President of the Russian Federation shall possess immunity. Article 92 1. The President of the Russian Federation shall being exercising his/her powers from the time when he/she takes oath and shall cease exercising them upon the expiry of his term in office from the time when a new elected President of the Russian Federation takes the oath.
2. The President of the Russian Federation shall cease exercising his/her authorities early in the event of his retirement, consistent incapacity for reasons of health to exercise the powers vested in him/her, or his/her removal from office.  In this respect, election of the President of the Russian Federation must take place not later than three months from the time of the early termination of the exercise of powers.
3. In all cases where the President of the Russian Federation is not capable of fulfilling his duties, they shall be temporarily fulfilled by the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation.  The acting President of the Russian Federation shall not have the right to dissolve the State Duma, call a referendum, or introduce proposals on amendments or the review of provisions of the Constitution of the Russian Federation. Article 93 1. The President of the Russian Federation may be removed from office by the Federation Council only on the grounds of an accusation made by the State Duma of treason or the commission of another grave crime, confirmed by a conclusion of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation on the presence in the actions of the President of the Russian Federation of evidence of a crime and a conclusion by the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation on the observance of the established procedure for making the accusation.
2. The decision of the State Duma to make an accusation and the decision of the Federation Council to remove the President from office must be adopted by two thirds of the votes of the total number in each of the chambers at the initiative of one third of the deputies of the State Duma and in the presence of a conclusion of a special commission formed by the State Duma.
3.  The decision of the Federation Council on the removal of the President of the Russian Federation from office must be adopted within three months from the time when the accusation was made by the State Duma against the President.  If within that time no such decision is adopted by the Federation Council, the accusation against the President shall be considered to have been rejected.

Chapter 5. Federal Assembly
Article 94

The Federal Assembly – the parliament of the Russian Federation – is the representative and legislative body of the Russian Federation. Article 95 1. The Federal Assembly consists of two chambers – the Federation Council and the State Duma.
2. The Federation shall include two representatives from each of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation – one each from the representative and executive bodies of state authority.
3.  The State Duma shall consist of 450 deputies. Article 96 1. The State Duma shall be elected for a term of four years.
2. The procedure for the formation of the Federation Council and the procedure for elections of deputies to the State Duma shall be established by federal laws. Article 97 1. A citizen of the Russian Federation who has reached 21 years of age and who has the right to participate in elections may be elected deputy of the State Duma.
2. One and the same person may not simultaneously be a member of the Federation Council and a deputy of the State Duma.  A Deputy of the State Duma may not be a deputy of other representative bodies of state authority and bodies of local self-government.
3. Deputies of the State Duma shall work on a professional, permanent basis.  Deputies of the State Duma may not be in state service or engage in paid activity other than teaching, research or other creative activity. Article 98 1. Members of the Federation Council and deputies of the State Duma shall have immunity during the entire term of their authorities.  They may not be detained, arrested or subjected to searches, except in cases of detainment at the place of a crime, nor be subjected to searches of their person, except where this is envisaged by federal law to provide for the safety of other people.
2. The question of lifting immunity shall be decided upon a submission from the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation by the corresponding chamber of the Federal Assembly. Article 99 1. The Federal Assembly is a permanently operating body.
2. The State Duma shall convene for the first session on the thirtieth day after election.  The President of the Russian Federation may convene a session of the State Duma at an earlier time.
3. The first session of the State Duma shall be opened by the eldest deputy.
4. From the time of the beginning of the work of the State Duma of the new convocation, the authorities of the State Duma of the previous convocation shall end. Article 100 1. The Federation Council and the State Duma meet separately.
2. Sessions of the Federation Council and the State Duma shall be open.  In the cases envisaged by the regulations of the chambers, they shall have the right to conduct closed sessions.
3. The chambers may assemble jointly to hear addresses of the President of the Russian Federation, addresses of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation and speeches of the leaders of foreign states. Article 101 1. The Federation Council shall elect from among its members a Chairman of the Federation Council and his/her deputies.  The State Duma shall elect from among its members a Chairman of the State Duma and his/her deputies.
2. The Chairman of the Federation Council and his deputies, and the Chairman of the State Duma and his deputies, shall conduct sessions and oversee the internal organization of the chamber.
3. The Federation Council and the State Duma shall form committees and commissions, and conduct parliamentary hearings on questions under their competence.
4. Each of the chambers shall adopt its own rules and decide questions concerning the internal organization of their activity.
5. In order to exercise control over the implementation of the federal budget the Federation Council and State Duma shall form an Accounting Chamber, whose composition and procedure for activity shall be determined by federal law. Article 102 1. The following shall be under the authority of the Federation Council:
a) approval of changes in borders between constituent entities of the Russian Federation;
b) approval of edicts of the President of the Russian Federation on the introduction of martial law;
c) approval of edicts of the President of the Russian Federation on the introduction of a state of emergency;
d) decision of questions concerning the use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation outside the territory of the Russian Federation;
e) scheduling of elections of the President of the Russian Federation;
f) removal of the President of the Russian Federation from office;
g) appointment of judges of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, and the Supreme Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation;
h) appointment and dismissal of the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation;
i) appointment and dismissal of the Deputy Chairman of the Accounting Chamber and half of its auditors;
2. The Federation Council may adopt resolutions on issues assigned to its competence by the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
3. Resolutions of the Federation Council shall be adopted by a majority of votes of the total number of members of the Federation Council, unless another procedure for the adoption of decisions is envisaged by the Constitution of the Russian Federation. Article 103 1. The jurisdiction of the State Duma shall include:
a) issuing consent to the President of the Russian Federation for the appointment of the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation;
b) resolving questions of confidence in the Government of the Russian Federation;
c) appointment and dismissal of the Chairman of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation;
d) appointment and dismissal of the Chairman of the Accounting Chamber and half of its auditors;
e) appointment and dismissal of the Plenipotentiary for Human Rights, acting in accordance with federal constitutional law;
f) declaration of amnesties;
g) making accusations against the President of the Russian Federation for his removal from office.
2. The State Duma shall adopt resolutions on issues assigned to its purview by the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
3. Resolutions of the State Duma are adopted by a majority of the votes of the total number of deputies of the State Duma, unless a different procedure for the adoption of decisions is envisaged by the Constitution of the Russian Federation. Article 104 1. The right of legislative initiative shall be held by the President of the Russian Federation, the Federation Council, members of the Federation Council, deputies of the State Duma, the Government of the Russian Federation, and legislative (representative) bodies of constituent entities of the Russian Federation.  The right of legislative initiative shall also be held by the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation and the Supreme Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation for issues under their purview.
2. Draft laws shall be submitted to the State Duma.
3. Draft laws on the introduction or revocation of taxes, exemption from the payment thereof, on the issue of state loans, on changes in the financial obligations of the state, and other draft laws envisaging expenses covered by the federal budget may only be introduced with a conclusion from the Government of the Russian Federation. Article 105 1. Federal laws shall be passed by the State Duma.
2. Federal laws shall be passed by a majority of the votes of the total number of deputies of the State Duma, unless otherwise envisaged by the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
3. Federal laws passed by the State Duma shall be transferred for consideration by the Federation Council within five days.
4. A federal law shall be considered adopted by the Federation Council if more than half of the total number of members of that chamber voted for it or if within the course of fourteen day it was not considered by the Federation Council.  In the event that a federal law is rejected by the Federation Council, the chambers may form a conciliation commission in order to overcome disagreements which have arisen, after which the federal law shall be subject to repeat consideration by the State Duma.
5. In the event that the State Duma does not agree with the decision of the Federation Council, the federal law shall be considered passed if during a repeat vote at least two-thirds of the total number of State Duma deputies voted for it. Article 106 The Federation Council must consider Federal laws approved by the State Duma concerning the following issues:
a) the federal budget;
b) federal taxes and duties;
c) financial, currency, credit and customs regulation, and monetary emission;
d) ratification and denunciation of international agreements of the Russian Federation;
e) the status and defense of the state border of the Russian Federation;
f) war and peace. Article 107 1. An approved federal law shall be sent to the President of the Russian Federation within five days for signature and publication.
2. The President of the Russian Federation shall within fourteen days sign the federal law and publish it.
3. If within fourteen days from the time of the receipt of the federal law the President of the Russian Federation rejects it, the State Duma and the Federation Council shall in accordance with the procedure established by the Constitution of the Russian Federation newly consider that law.  If in the repeat consideration the federal law is adopted in the previously adopted redaction by a majority of at least two-thirds of the votes of the total number of members of the Federation Council and deputies of the State Duma, it shall be signed by the President of the Russian Federation within seven days and published. Article 108 1. Federal constitutional laws shall be adopted on the issues envisaged in the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
2. A federal constitutional law shall be considered adopted if it is adopted by a majority of at least three fourths of the votes of the total number of deputies of the Federation Council and at least two thirds of the votes of the total number of deputies of the State Duma.  The approved federal constitutional law shall be signed by the President of the Russian Federation within fourteen days and published. Article 109 1. The State Duma may be dissolved by the President of the Russian Federation in the cases envisaged in Articles 111 and 117 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
2. In the event of the dissolution of the State Duma the President of the Russian Federation shall appoint a date for elections so that the State Duma convenes no later than four months from the time of the dissolution.
3. The State Duma may not be dissolved on the grounds envisaged in Article 117 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation within the year following its election.
4. The State Duma may not be dissolved from the time when it makes an accusation against the President of the Russian Federation until the adoption of a corresponding decision by the Federation Council.
5.  The State Duma may not be dissolved during the period of effect in the entire territory of the Russian Federation of martial law or state of emergency, or during the six month preceding the end of the term of the authorities of the President of the Russian Federation.

Chapter 6. Government of the Russian Federation
Article 110

1. The Government of the Russian Federation shall exercise executive authority of the Russian Federation.
2. The Government of the Russian Federation shall consist of the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, Deputy Chairmen of the Government of the Russian Federation, and federal ministers. Article 111 1. The Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation shall be appointed by the President of the Russian Federation with the agreement of the State Duma.
2. The proposal on the candidacy of the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation shall be submitted within two weeks from the inauguration of the newly elected President of the Russian Federation or after the dismissal of the Government of the Russian Federation or within one week from the day when a candidacy was rejected by the State Duma.
3. The State Duma shall consider the candidacy for the Chairman of the Government submitted by the President of the Russian Federation within one week from the date of submission of the proposed candidacy.
4. After the third rejection of proposed candidacies for the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation by the State Duma, the President of the Russian Federation shall appoint a Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, dismiss the State Duma and schedule new elections. Article 112 1. The Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation shall within one week after appointment submit to the President of the Russian Federation proposals on the structure of federal bodies of executive authority.
2. The Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation shall propose to the President of the Russian Federation candidatures for the posts of Deputy Chairmen of the Government of the Russian Federation and federal ministries. Article 113 The Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation in accordance with the Constitution of the Russian Federation, federal laws and edicts of the President of the Russian Federation shall determine the primary directions for the activity of the Government of the Russian Federation and shall organize its work. Article 114 1. The Government of the Russian Federation shall:
a) draft and submit to the State Duma the federal budget and secure its implementation and submit to the State Duma a report on the implementation of the federal budget;
b) secure the implementation in the Russian Federation of a unified financial, credit and monetary policy;
c) secure the implementation in the Russian Federation of a unified state policy in the spheres of culture, science, education, healthcare, social welfare and the environment;
d) carry out the management of federal property;
e) implement measures to secure the defense of the country, state security and the realization of the foreign policy of the Russian Federation;
f) implement measures to secure the rule of law, the rights and liberties of citizens, the protection of property and public order, and the fight with crime;
g) exercise other authorities assigned to is by the Constitution of the Russian Federation, federal laws and edicts of the President of the Russian Federation.
2.  The procedure for the activity of the Government of the Russian Federation shall be defined by the federal constitutional law. Article 115 1. On the basis and in execution of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, federal laws and normative edicts of the President of the Russian Federation, the Government of the Russian Federation may issue decrees and directives and shall secure their execution.
2. Decrees and directives of the Government of the Russian Federation are binding in the Russian Federation.
3. Decrees and directives of the Government of the Russian Federation that contravene the Constitution of the Russian Federation, federal laws and edicts of the President of the Russian Federation may be overturned by the President of the Russian Federation. Article 116 Before the newly elected President of the Russian Federation the Government of the Russian Federation shall relinquish his/her authorities. Article 117 1. The Government of the Russian Federation may submit a resignation, which may be accepted or rejected by the President of the Russian Federation.
2. The President of the Russian Federation may adopt a decision to dismiss the Government of the Russian Federation.
3. The State Duma may express no confidence in the Government of the Russian Federation.  The resolution on no confidence in the Government of the Russian Federation must be adopted by a majority of votes of the total number of deputies of the State Duma.  After the State Duma has expressed no confidence in the Government of the Russian Federation, the President of the Russian Federation has the right to announce the dismissal of the Government of the Russian Federation or not to agree with the decision of the State Duma.  In the event that the State Duma expresses no confidence in the Government of the Russian Federation a second time within three months, the President of the Russian Federation shall announce the dismissal of the Government or dissolve the State Duma.
4. The Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation may put to the State Duma the question of confidence in the Government of the Russian Federation.  If the State Duma refuses to affirm confidence, within seven days the President shall adopt a decision to dismiss the Government of the Russian Federation or to dissolve the State Duma and schedule new elections.
5. In the event of a dismissal or relinquishing of authorities, the Government of the Russian Federation, at the instruction of the President, may continue to act until the formation of the new Government of the Russian Federation.

Chapter 7. Judicial Authority
Article 118

1. Justice in the Russian Federation may only be administered by a court.
2. Judicial authority is exercised by way of constitutional, civil, administrative and criminal court proceedings.
3. The court system in the Russian Federation is established by the Constitution of the Russian Federation and a federal constitutional law.  The establishment of ad hoc courts is not permitted. Article 119 Judges must be citizens of the Russian Federation at least 25 years of age who have a higher legal education and work experience in the legal profession of at least 5 years.  Federal law may establish additional requirements for judges of courts of the Russian Federation. Article 120 1. Judges are independent and answer only to the Constitution of the Russian Federation and federal law.
2. A court, having established during the examination of a case that an act of a state or other body does not conform to a law, shall adopt a decision in accordance with the law. Article 121 1. Judges may not be dismissed.
2. The authorities of a judge may only be terminated or suspended in accordance with the procedure and on the grounds set forth in federal law. Article 122 1. Judges have immunity.
2. A judge may not be prosecuted for crimes in a procedure other than that defined in federal law. Article 123 1. Consideration of cases in all courts shall be open.  Hearings of cases in closed sessions may be permitted only in the cases envisaged by federal law.
2. Proceedings of criminal cases in absentia shall not be permitted, except where envisaged by federal law.
3. Court proceedings shall be adversarial and conducted on the basis of the equality of the parties.
4. In the cases envisaged by federal law, court proceedings shall be conducted with the participation of jurors. Article 124 Financing of courts shall be effected solely from the federal budget and must secure the opportunity for the full and independent administration of justice in accordance with federal law. Article 125 1. The Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation shall consist of 19 judges.
2. Upon requests from the President of the Russian Federation, the Federation Council, the State Duma, one-fifth of the Federation Council or deputies of the State Duma, the Government of the Russian Federation, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation and the Supreme Arbitrage Court of the Russian Federation, bodies of legislative and executive authority of subjects of the Russian Federation, the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation shall resolve cases concerning the conformity to the Constitution of the Russian Federation of the following:
a) federal laws and normative acts of the President of the Russian Federation, the Federation Council, the State Duma and the Government of the Russian Federation;
b) the constitutions of republics, charters, as well as laws and other normative acts of constituent entities of the Russian Federation issued on questions classified under the jurisdiction of bodies of state authority of the Russian Federation and joint jurisdiction of bodies of state authority of the Russian Federation and bodies of state authority of constituent entities of the Russian Federation;
c) agreements between bodies of state authority of the Russian Federation and bodies of state authority of constituent entities of the Russian Federation, agreements between bodies of state authority of constituent entities of the Russian Federation;
d) international agreements of the Russian Federation which have not entered into force.
3. The Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation shall resolve disputes concerning competence:
a) between federal bodies of state authority;
b) between bodies of state authority of the Russian Federation and bodies of state authority of constituent entities of the Russian Federation;
c) between higher state bodies of constituent entities of the Russian Federation.
4. The Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, in response to complaints against the violation of constitutional civil rights and liberties and requests of courts, shall verify the constitutionality of the law applied or applicable in a specific case, in accordance with the procedure established by federal law.
5. The Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, upon a request from the President of the Russian Federation, the Federation Council, the State Duma, the Government of the Russian Federation, and bodies of legislative authority of constituent entities of the Russian Federation shall give interpretations of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
6. Acts or other of their separate provisions declared unconstitutional shall lose force; international agreements of the Russian Federation which do not conform to the Constitution of the Russian Federation shall not be introduced into force or applied.
7. The Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, upon a request from the Federation Council, shall give a conclusion on compliance with the established procedure with the established procedure for accusing the President of the Russian Federation of treason or the commission of another grave crime. Article 126 The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation is the supreme judicial body for civil, criminal, administrative and other cases assigned to courts of general jurisdiction, shall carry out in the procedural forms envisaged by federal law supervision of their activity and shall give clarifications on questions concerning judicial practice. Article 127 The Supreme Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation is the supreme judicial body for the resolution of economic disputes and other cases examined by arbitration courts, carry out in the procedural forms envisaged by federal law judicial supervision of their activity and shall give clarifications on questions concerning judicial practice. Article 128 1. Judges of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation and the Supreme Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation shall be appointed by the Federation Council upon a submission from the President of the Russian Federation.
2. Judges of other federal courts shall be appointed by the President of the Russian Federation in accordance with the procedure established by federal law.
3. The authorities, and procedure for the formation and activity of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, the Supreme Arbitration  Court of the Russian Federation and other federal courts shall be established by federal constitutional law. Article 129 1. The Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation shall comprise the unified centralized system with inferior prosecutors' offices subordinate to superior prosecutors' offices and the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation.
2. The Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation shall be appointed to the post and dismissed from the post by the Federation Council upon a submission from the President of the Russian Federation.
3. Prosecutors of constituent entities of the Russian Federation shall be appointed by the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation by agreement with their constituent entities.
4. Other prosecutors shall be appointed by the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation.
5. The authorities, and organization and procedure for activity, of the prosecutor general's office of the Russian Federation shall be defined by federal law.

Chapter 8.  Local Self-government
Article 130

1. Local self-government in the Russian Federation shall support the independent decision by the population of questions of local significance, the possession, use and disposal of municipal property.
2. Local self-government shall be carried out by citizens by way of referendum, elections, other direct forms of expression of will, and through elected and other bodies of local self-government. Article 131 1. Local self-government shall be carried out at city and village settlements and in other territories, with account taken of historical and other local traditions.  The structure of bodies of local self-government shall be determined by the population independently.
2. Changes in the borders of the territories in which local self-government is carried out shall be permitted with account taken of the opinion of the population of the corresponding territories. Article 132 1. Bodies of local self-government shall independently manage municipal property, draft, approve and implement the local budget, establish local taxes and duties, preserve public order, as well as address other questions of local significance.
2. Bodies of local self-government may be vested by law with certain state powers, with the transfer of material and financial funds necessary for their implementation.  Implementation of the powers transferred shall be supervised by the state.

Article 133

Local self-government in the Russian Federation shall guarantee the right to judicial defense, to compensation of additional expenses arising as a result of decisions adopted by bodies of state authority, or a prohibition on the limitation of rights of local self-government established by the Constitution of the Russian Federation and federal laws.

Chapter 9. Constitutional Amendments and Review of the Constitution
Article 134

Proposals on amendments or a review of the provisions of the Constitution of the Russian Federation may be introduced by the President of the Russian Federation, the Federation Council, the State Duma, the Government of the Russian Federation, legislative (representative) bodies of constituent entities of the Russian Federation, as well as a group with at least one-fifth of the members of the Federation Council or deputies of the State Duma. Chapter 135 1. The provisions of Chapters 1, 2 and 9 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation may not be reviewed by the Federal Assembly.
2. If a proposal to review the provisions of Chapters 1, 2 or 9 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation is supported by three-fifths of the total number of members of the Federation Council and deputies of the State Duma, a Constitutional Assembly shall be convened in accordance with a federal constitutional law.
3.  The Constitutional Assembly shall either confirm the unchanged Constitution of the Russian Federation or draft a new Constitution of the Russian Federation, which must be adopted by the Constitutional Assembly with two-thirds of the votes of the total number of its member or put to a nationwide vote.  When conducting nationwide voting, the Constitution of the Russian Federation shall be considered adopted if more than half of the voters participating in the voting voted for it, provided that more than half of the electorate participated in the votin. Article 136 Amendments to Chapters 3-8 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation must be adopted in accordance with the procedure envisaged for the adoption of a federal constitutional law, and shall enter into force after their approval by the bodies of legislative authority of at least two-thirds of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Article 137 1. Amendments to Article 65 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, which determines the composition of the Russian Federation, may be introduced on the basis of a federal constitutional law on the acceptance to the Russian Federation and formation within its composition of a new constituent entity of the Russian Federation, or on the amendment of the constitutional legal status of a subject of the Russian Federation.
2. In the event that the name of a republic, krai, oblast, city of federal significance or autonomous okrug, the new name of the constituent entity of the Russian Federation shall be included in Article 65 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.

Section Two. Concluding and Transitional Provisions

1. The Constitution of the Russian Federation shall enter into force as from the date of its official publication based on the results of nationwide voting.
The day of nationwide voting, December 12, 1993, shall be considered the date of the adoption of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
Simultaneously the force of the Constitution (Fundamental Law) of the Russian Federation – Russia adopted on April 12, 1978, with subsequent amendments and additions.
In the event that provisions of a Federative Agreement – the Agreement on the Delimitation of Subjects of Management and Authorities Between Bodies of State Authority of the Russian Federation and Bodies of State Authority of Sovereign Republics in the Composition of the Russian Federation, the Agreement on the Delimitation of Subjects of Management and Authorities Between Federal Bodies of State Authority of the Russian Federation and Bodies of State Authority of Krais, Oblasts, the Cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg of the Russian Federation, the Agreement on the Delimitation of Subjects of Management and Authorities Between Federal Bodies of State Authority of the Russian Federation and Bodies of State Authority of the Autonomous Oblast and Autonomous Okrugs in the Composition of the Russian Federation, or other agreements between federal bodies of state authority of the Russian Federation and bodies of state authority of constituent entities of the Russian Federation, do not conform to the provisions of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the provisions of the Constitution of the Russian Federation shall prevail.
2. Laws and other legal acts which were effective in the territory of the Russian Federation prior to the entry into force of this Constitution shall be applicable to the extent that they do not contravene the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
3. From the day of the entry into force of this Constitution the President of the Russian Federation, elected in accordance with the Constitution (Fundamental Law) of the Russian Federation – Russia, shall exercise the powers established thereby until the expiration of the term for which he was elected.
4. From the day of the entry into force of this Constitution the Council of Ministers – Government of the Russian Federation shall acquire the rights, obligations and responsibility of the Government of the Russian Federation, as established by the Constitution of the Russian Federation, and shall thenceforth be named the Government of the Russian Federation
5. Judges in the Russian Federation shall administer justice in accordance with their powers as set forth in this Constitution.
After the introduction into force of the Constitution the judges of all of the courts of the Russian Federation shall retain their powers until the expiration of the term for which they were elected.  Vacant positions shall be replaced in accordance with the procedure established by this Constitution.
6. Until the entry into force of a federal law establishing the procedure for the examination of cases by a court with the participation of a jurors, the prior procedure for the judicial examination of the relevant cases shall be preserved.
Until the criminal procedure legislation of the Russian Federation is brought into accordance with the provisions of this Constitution, the prior procedure for the arrest, holding in custody or detention of persons suspected of committing a crime.
7. The first classes of the Federation Council and the State Duma shall be elected for a term of two years.
8. The Federation Council shall convene for its first session on the thirtieth day after election.  The first session of the Federation Council shall be opened by the President of the Russian Federation.
9. A deputy of the first class of the State Duma may simultaneously be a member of the Government of the Russian Federation.  The provisions of this Constitution on the immunity of deputies from liability for actions (or omissions) connected with the performance of official duties shall not extend to deputies of the State Duma who are members of the Government of the Russian Federation.
Deputies of the first congress of the Federation Council shall exercise their authorities on a non-permanent basis.
 

Unofficial translation by John Fowler.

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