Constitutional Law Evaluation of Russia’s Federal Structure: The Dissonance Between the Theory and Practice

The paper offers a comprehensive analysis of federalism in the Russian Federation, detailing provisions that illustrate both the symmetrical and asymmetrical aspects of its federal structure. The study is based on the Constitution of the Russian Federation that defines the distinctive features of the Russian federal system. To provide context, the paper includes a historical overview, allowing for an in-depth examination of the constitutional and legal status of the republics, autonomous okrugs, and the autonomous oblast. The authors address the special status of Moscow, the capital of the Russian Federation. Specific examples, theoretical frameworks, and historical context support the authors’ conclusions regarding the unique characteristics of Russian federalism. The paper reviews alternative models of state-territorial organization, evaluates their effectiveness, and discusses potential directions for their development. The study underscores the relevance of the findings by comparing different approaches to state-territorial organization and analyzing contemporary perspectives on federalism. After a thorough review of constitutional provisions related to the complex issue of federalism in Russia, the authors draw conclusions on the topic.