1.Yeltsin’s formation of the new Russia as a presidential republic including the setting up of checks and balances on the presidency, such as the ones present in the other democracies in the world. The checks set up in the new Russian government include the following. The President’s decrees may not violate existing law and can be overridden by Parliament. Also, the Duma must approve the Prime Minister, but after three failures, the President dissolves the Duma and calls for new elections. The Duma may also hold a vote of no confidence in the government. The first time this motion occurs, the President can ignore it, but the second time he must either resign or dissolve Parliament. The President’s power to dissolve Parliament is limited by the constitution, and can’t be dissolved within the first year of the presidency. It cannot be dissolved also when the President is facing impeachment charges, when a state of emergency is declared, or within six months of the expiration of the President’s term. These checks and balances have not fully worked, however, because the President still has the upper hand in dealing with Congress. This has been especially evident as Yeltsin has wielded his power of decree heavily in recent years, and Russia resembled more of a dictatorship towards the end of his term. 2.The goals of the Soviet Government and its communist rule were based on the principles of the doctrine called Marxism-Leninism. Soviet rulers placed great emphasis from the start on getting the people to understand and commit to the doctrines of the regime. Their system wanted complete loyalty from each and every constituent living under their rule. The system of political socialization used by the Soviets embraced every setting of education and communication in society, from schools and youth activities to the mass media and popular culture. Influences that were contrary to the communist doctrine...
