President of the Russian Federation

The President of the Russian Federation, known commonly as the President of Russia (ru: Президент России) is the highest position within the Government of Russia. Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, two individuals have been elected to the presidency. The president is elected every four years by a direct vote of the Russian population. The next scheduled vote is stated for 2008.

Requirements to hold office

Requirements to be met in order for a person to become a President are listed in the Constitution of Russia. A President must be a citizen of Russia (natural-born citizenship is not required), must attain age of 35, and must be a resident of Russia for at least 10 years prior to the elections.

Duties

The President is the head of state and his main task is to preserve and protect the rights and liberties of the Russian people, which are granted under the Constitution of Russia. The President is tasked to determine the domestic and foreign policy of the Russian government. The President is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

The President is also charged in awarding of state decorations, resolves problems on issues in immigration and has the power to grant pardons.

Insignia

After the oath of office has been taken by the elected president, these following insignia are handed over to the president. These devices are used to display the rank of his office and are used on special occasions.

Chain of office

The first insignia that is issued is the chain of office with an emblem. The central emblem is a red cross, with arms in equal size, charged with the Russian coat of arms. On the reverse of the cross, the words "Use, Honour and Glory" appear in a form of a circle. A golden wreath is used to connect the cross with the rest of the chain. There are seventeen "links" in the emblem, with nine consisting of the Russian coat of arms. The other eight consist of a rosette, also bearing the motto "Use, Honour and Glory." At the inauguration of Vladimir Putin, the emblem was placed on a red pillow, positioned on the left side of podium. According to the Presidential website, the emblem is placed inside the Kremlin and is used only on certain occasions.

Standard (Flag)

The standard is a square version of the Russian flag, (pictured below) charged in the center with the Russian coat of arms. Golden fringe is added to the standard. Copies of the standard are used inside his office, at the Kremlin, other state agencies, and while the president is traveling in a vehicle inside Russia. A 2:3 ratio version of the flag is used when the President is at sea. This is the mostly used symbol to denote the presence of the Russian President.

Special Copy of the Constitution

The President also has a special copy of the Russian Constitution that is used during the inauguration. This copy has a hard, red cover with gold lettering. An image of the Russian coat of arms appears in silver. The special copy is kept in the Presidential Library, which is located inside the Kremlin.

Image:Russia president emblem.jpg|Chain of office Image:Standard of the President of the Russian Federation.svg|Standard Image:Russia president constitution.jpg|Special Copy of the Constitution

Oath of Office

Each person who has been elected to this office takes this oath during their inauguration:

In performing my duties as the President of the Russian Federation, I pledge to respect and protect the rights and liberties of every citizen; to observe and protect the Constitution of the Russian Federation; to protect the sovereignty and independence, security and integrity of the state and to serve the people faithfully.

List of Presidents of Russia

Boris Yeltsin¹ (July 10, 1991 – December 31, 1999) two terms (resigned during the second term).

Aleksandr Rutskoy¹ (September 22, 1993 – October 4, 1993) was appointed the president by the parliament after Boris Yeltsin allegedly violated the Constitution, but was later arrested.

Vladimir Putin² (December 31, 1999 – present) Currently serving a second term.

Historic Russian/Soviet Leaders

See Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Russian SFSR for the preceding leadership of the Russian Federation.

See also List of leaders of the Soviet Union, which existed between the time of Imperial Russia and that of the present-day Russian Federation.

See List of Russian rulers for the list of earlier rulers of Russia, Muscovy and Kievan Rus'.

Notes

¹ Aleksandr Rutskoy acted "in opposition" during the Russian constitutional crisis of 1993 from September 22, 1993 - October 4, 1993.
² As Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin was the Acting president following Yeltsin's resignation until being elected by popular vote on May 7, 2000.

External links

Official site of the President of Russia

Lists of office-holders | Politics of Russia | Russian leaders | Presidents of the Russian Federation | Russia-related lists

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