Föderatsiooninõukogu

The Föderatsiooninõukogu, often translated as the Federation Council, is the upper house of the Federal Assembly of Russia, the lower house being the State Duma. It is a permanent body, with its members serving for six years, and is responsible for representing the federal subjects of Russia. The Council consists of 170 deputies, with the number of representatives from each subject proportional to its population. The President of Russia appoints the deputies, with the approval of the relevant constitutional body of the respective federal subject.

The primary functions of the Föderatsiooninõukogu include amending the Constitution of Russia, approving federal laws in areas delegated to it by the Constitution, and representing Russia in international organizations. It also has the power to initiate legislation, although the State Duma has the final say on all legislative matters. The Council can also ratify and denounce international treaties, although this power is shared with the State Duma.

The Föderatsiooninõukogu is considered a less powerful chamber compared to the State Duma, due to the latter's ability to dismiss the government and its control over the budget. However, it does play a significant role in federalism, reflecting the interests and concerns of the various regions of Russia. The Council is headed by the Chairman of the Federation Council, who is elected by the members of the Council from among its number. The current Chairman is Valentina Matviyenko, who has held the position since 2019.