The Russian Duma

The Russian Duma is the lower house of Russia's Federal Assembly, which is the country's national parliament. It consists of 450 members elected through a mix of proportional representation and direct voting, representing various political parties. The Duma's primary responsibilities include drafting and passing federal laws, approving the budget, and overseeing the executive branch. It plays a key role in shaping national policies, and its members debate legislation, question government officials, and have the power to approve or reject presidential appointments. The Duma functions as a critical legislative body within Russia's political system, balancing power with the upper house, the Federation Council.