A Global Perspective

Chapter 13: Contracts for the Sale of Goods

Russia

In December of 1991, the former United Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) was divided into 15 independent republics. Since then, Russia has struggled as it has attempted to build a democratic political system and market economy. Russia is located in northern Asia bordering the Arctic Ocean, between Europe and the North Pacific Ocean. It is more than 1.5 times the size of the United States. Ninety-eight percent of the population is literate.

The government of Russia is federalist. The chief of state is the president who is also the head of government. The president is elected by popular vote to a four-year term. There is no vice president. If the president should die or get sick, the premier takes over until a new presidential election is held. The president appoints the cabinet, which is composed of the Ministries of the Government and the premier. The Federal Assembly consists of 178 seats who are appointed by the top executive and legislative officials in each of the 89 federal administrative units. Members serve four-year terms.

The legal system is based on a civil law system. The Federation Council on the recommendation of the president appoints the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, Superior Court of Arbitration, and the judges for all courts for life.