The State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation is the lower house of the national parliament, playing a key role in the legislative process. Its creation in 1993 marked a new stage in the development of the Russian statehood after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The Constitution of Russia defines the Duma as a crucial institution representing the interests of the multinational people of the country. The activities of this body are governed by the fundamental principles of the separation of powers and the system of checks and balances. Constitutional status and formation procedure According to the Constitution, the State Duma consists of 450 deputies elected by the citizens of the Russian Federation on the basis of universal, equal, and direct suffrage by secret ballot. The term of office of the Duma of one convocation is five years. During their work, deputies enjoy immunity, intended to guarantee their independence. Historically, the electoral system has undergone changes: from a mixed system combining majoritarian and proportional principles to a fully proportional system based on party lists, and then back to a mixed model. These changes reflect the search for an optimal balance between broad representation and the efficiency of the legislative body. Key powers and functions in the system of state power The main function of the State Duma is to develop and adopt federal laws. Any bill, except for issues of the federal budget and ratification of international treaties, may be submitted for consideration by the chamber. The federal law adopted by the Duma is then submitted for approval to the Federation Council and signed by the President of Russia. In addition to legislative activities, the exclusive competence of the Duma includes giving consent to the President on the appointment of the Chairman of the Government, hearing annual reports of the Government on the results of its activities, and deciding on the issue of confidence in the Governme ... Read more