Includes bibliographical references and index.

Russia: continuity and change. Studying Russian government and politics -- The roots: the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union -- The Soviet transformation, 1985-91 -- Institutions and elections. The executive branch -- The legislative branch -- The judicial branch and justice administration -- Political behavior, participation, and communication. Political parties -- Presidential and parliamentary elections -- Political communications and mobilization -- Russian policies. Economic and business policies -- Social policies: health, education, and housing -- Foreign policy -- Defense and security policies -- Summary and conclusion.

With a wide range of pedagogical features that takes full account of the dramatic changes in Russian politics under Putin and Medvedev, this text provides clear factual coverage of the government and politics of the Russian Federation.