Russian Politics and Economics

How did Russia's government structure change after the fall of the Soviet Union?

• It became a monarchy

• It became a federal republic with limited government

• It remained a communist state

• It became a direct democracy

Answer explanation

After the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia transitioned to a federal republic with a constitution that established a system of limited government, moving away from its previous communist structure.

What is a key similarity between the Russian and U.S. governments?

• Both have unlimited presidential terms

• Both have complete internet freedom

• Both have three branches of government

• Both have the same election processes

Answer explanation

A key similarity between the Russian and U.S. governments is that both have three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial. This structure is designed to provide a system of checks and balances.

How has Russia's economy changed since the Soviet Union's collapse?

• It became completely government-controlled

• It shifted to a free enterprise system

• It eliminated all private businesses

• It banned foreign trade

Answer explanation

Since the Soviet Union's collapse, Russia transitioned from a centrally planned economy to a free enterprise system, allowing private businesses and foreign trade, which significantly changed its economic landscape.

What major transportation system helps move goods across Russia?

• The Trans-Siberian Railroad

• The Moscow Metro

• The Siberian Highway

• The Russian River System

Answer explanation

The Trans-Siberian Railroad is a crucial transportation system in Russia, spanning over 9,000 kilometers and facilitating the movement of goods across the vast country, making it the correct choice.

What industries does the Russian government primarily control?

• Agriculture and mining

• Technology and manufacturing

• Oil and gas

• Education and healthcare

Answer explanation

The Russian government primarily controls the oil and gas industry, which is crucial for the country's economy and energy exports. This sector is heavily regulated and state-owned, unlike agriculture or technology.

Thinking about Russia, drag each form of government into the time period of Russian history associated with that government.

Groups:

(a) 1721 - 1917

,

(b) 1917 - 1991

,

(c) 1991 - Present

• Monarchy

• Communist

• Federal Republic

After the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia moved to a model with a more limited government. This is BEST displayed by ​ (a)  

• the people of Russia voting in elections.

• the government abolishing certain religions.

• the people having individual rights taken away.

• the businesses being controlled by the government.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'the people of Russia voting in elections,' illustrates a shift towards limited government by empowering citizens to participate in the democratic process, reflecting individual rights and freedoms post-Soviet Union.

From 1917 to 1991, Russia had an economic system where all means of production were owned by the people and is heavily controlled by the government. This economic system is called ​ (a)  

• communism

• federalism

• free enterprise

• capitalism

Answer explanation

The economic system described, where all means of production are owned by the people and controlled by the government, is known as communism. This system was prevalent in Russia from 1917 to 1991.

In Russia, citizens vote for members of Parliament, who make laws that all Russians must follow. This shows that Russia has which kind of government?

• Republic

• Autocracy

• Communist State

• Direct Democracy

Answer explanation

Russia is classified as a Republic because citizens elect representatives to Parliament, which creates laws. This democratic process distinguishes it from autocracy or direct democracy.

The end of Communist rule in Eastern Europe in the 1990s was due primarily the economies there. State-controlled production led to workers being under paid with little incentive to produce more or better goods.

What conclusion can you draw from this passage?

• Eastern European countries were run as command economies.

• Eastern European countries were run as market economies.

• People did not have enough skills to be successful.

• Taxes were too low to encourage production.

Answer explanation

The passage indicates that state-controlled production in Eastern Europe resulted in low worker incentives, characteristic of command economies. Thus, the conclusion is that these countries operated as command economies.