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The document discusses democracy, its definitions, and its features, contrasting it with authoritarian systems. It specifically examines the state of democracy in Russia, highlighting the discrepancies between its formal democratic structures and the reality of its authoritarian practices under Vladimir Putin. The conclusion emphasizes that while Russia presents itself as a democracy, it lacks the essential elements of genuine democratic governance, such as transparency and protection of civil liberties.

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2 views

Document

The document discusses democracy, its definitions, and its features, contrasting it with authoritarian systems. It specifically examines the state of democracy in Russia, highlighting the discrepancies between its formal democratic structures and the reality of its authoritarian practices under Vladimir Putin. The conclusion emphasizes that while Russia presents itself as a democracy, it lacks the essential elements of genuine democratic governance, such as transparency and protection of civil liberties.

Uploaded by

Aseepi Praduman
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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National University of Modern Languages Islamabad

Submitted to: Mr. Rashid Khan


Submitted by: Shaman Ali
Roll Number: I-IR924764
Subject: Introduction to
Political Science
Topic: Democracy in Russia
What is Democracy?
Democracy, literally, rule by the people. The term is derived
from the Greek dēmokratia, which was coined from dēmos
(“people”) and kratos (“rule”) in the middle of the 5th century
bce to denote the political systems then existing in some
Greek city-states, notably Athens.
The etymological origins of the term democracy hint at a
number of urgent problems that go far beyond semantic
issues. If a government of or by the people—a “popular”
government—is to be established, at least five fundamental
questions must be confronted at the outset, and two more are
almost certain to be posed if the democracy continues to exist
for long.1

World Democracy Index by Landgeist2


A form of government in which political power is vested in
the people or the population of a state.Under a minimalist
definition of democracy, rulers are elected through
competitive elections while more expansive or maximalist
1
https://www.britannica.com/topic/democracy
2
https://landgeist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/world-democracy-index-change-1.png
definitions link democracy to guarantees of civil liberties and
human rights in addition to competitive elections.

Freedom in Democracy
In a direct democracy, the people have the direct authority to
deliberate and decide legislation. In a representative
democracy, the people choose governing officials through
elections to do so. The definition of “the people” and the ways
authority is shared among them or delegated by them have
changed over time and at varying rates in different countries.
Features of democracy oftentimes include freedom of
assembly, association, personal property, freedom of religion
and speech, citizenship, consent of the governed, voting
rights, freedom from unwarranted governmental deprivation
of the right to life and liberty, and minority rights.
Democracy contrasts with forms of government where power
is not vested in the general population of a state, such as
authoritarian systems. Historically a rare and vulnerable form
of government, democratic systems of government3 have
become more prevalent since the 19th century, in particular
with various waves of democratization.4 Democracy garners
considerable legitimacy in the modern world, 5as public
opinion across regions tends to strongly favor democratic
systems of government relative to alternatives, and as even
authoritarian states try to present themselves as democratic.
According to the V-Dem Democracy indices and The
Economist Democracy Index, less than half the world's
population lives in a democracy as of 2022. 6

3
https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691138305/bounding-power
4
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/09/13/opinion/larry-diamond-democracy-in-recession-
timeline.html
5
https://books.google.com/books?id=NdFpQwKfX2IC
6
https://www.v-dem.net/documents/19/dr_2022_ipyOpLP.pdf
How Democracy Works?

Diagram of How Democracy Works by Research gate7

Democracy is governance by the people. That is to say instead


of kings, dictators, or overlord elites pulling the strings, you
(you specifically) and everybody else in society have a vote in
how society is operated8
1. Elections (The Heartbeat)
Voters cast votes to select rulers (such as presidents, prime
ministers, senators, etc.). These rulers are representatives of
the people’s will and act in their interest to make decisions.9
Example: You vote every few years for someone who will
give you free Wi-Fi, improved roads, or reduced taxes.
2. Majority Rule (With Minority Rights)
The majority typically wins, but the rights of the losers are
still preserved. That’s the balance: power with fairness.10
3. Rule of Law
7
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-Global-State-of-Democracy-Conceptual-
framework_fig1_330896406
8
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy
9
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Election
10
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majority_rule
Even the most influential individual (yes, even the president
or prime minister) must comply with the law. Nobody gets to
be exempt from it. Imagine it as the “no cheat codes
permitted” rule.11
4. Separation of Powers
Power is divided among various branches—such as the
legislature (makes laws), executive (applies laws), and
judiciary (applies laws in a judicial capacity). That way, no
single group becomes too controlling.12
5. Freedom of Speech & Press
Citizens can speak their minds, criticize the government,
protest, and give opinions—even strange ones—without fear.
Memes and all.13
6. Civic Engagement
Democracy flourishes when citizens don’t only vote, but also
engage—such as participating in community groups, town
halls, or simply screaming respectfully on social media.14
Democracy is sort of a massive group project, only everyone
gets to vote on the plan, and no one should be able to hijack
the entire thing. It’s not ideal, but it’s founded on trust,
collaboration, and responsibility.

11
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_law
12
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separation_of_powers
13
https://www.csusm.edu/freespeech/definitions/free-speech.html
14
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civic_engagement
Democracy in Russia Federation?
Russia self-describes as a federal semi-presidential republic. It
has a constitution, elections, parliament (State Duma), and
even presidential term limits (sort of. more on that in a
minute). According to Constitution of the Russian Federation,
1993.15
16
In Practice: It's more like "managed democracy" or
"electoral authoritarianism.

While elections occur, they are widely criticized as being


manipulated heavily—opposition candidates are prevented
from competing, media is controlled by the state, and there is
pressure on dissenters.17
Freedom House annually rates Russia as "Not Free" in
reports.

15
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Russia
16
https://www.dawn.com/news/1814614
17
https://freedomhouse.org/country/russia/freedom-world/2025
The Economist's Democracy Index 2023 ranked Russia as an
authoritarian regime18.
Putin Power Play: Vladimir Putin has been the central figure
since 1999, switching roles between President and Prime
Minister like musical chairs. In 2020, a constitutional
amendment passed allowing him to potentially stay in power
until 203619.
Opposition & Protests: Opposition figures like Alexei
Navalny have been jailed, poisoned, or barred from running
for office. Massive protests have erupted over election rigging
and political repression.20
Internet & Media Control: Russia uses cyber surveillance,
blocks independent media, and spreads state propaganda. This
narrows the space for political pluralism and informed
voting.2122
Russia has democratic elements, but not democratic
practices.
It’s like having a cake that looks great but is made of
cardboard. The form is there, but the content? Authoritarian
vibes all the way.

Conclusion:
While Russia presents itself as a democracy on paper—with
elections, a constitution, and formal institutions—in reality, it
operates under an authoritarian framework. The concentration
of power, suppression of opposition, restricted media, and

18
https://www.economist.com/interactive/democracy-index-2024
19
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56656771
20
https://www.reuters.com/
21
https://rsf.org/en/index
22
https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/
manipulation of electoral processes all point toward a system
where democratic structures exist mainly for appearances.
In essence, Russia’s version of democracy is more controlled
theater than genuine public rule. It highlights how the
presence of democratic institutions doesn’t guarantee
democratic governance. True democracy requires
transparency, accountability, pluralism, and protection of civil
liberties—elements that remain significantly weakened or
absent in the Russian political landscape.
If democracy is about the people’s voice, Russia’s political
system has turned the volume way down.

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