Russia - Explanation of how the members of the legislature are chosen in your assigned nation. In the Duma, the Lower House, members are elected every five years. Half are through proportional representation from party lists, the other half are through single member districts. In the Federation Council, the Upper House, each of Russia's regions appoints two representatives. - Explanation of the powers given to the legislative branch in your assigned nation. Duma serves as lawmaking body, approves the prime minster, can express no confidence in the government, and can impeach the president with a 2/3 majority, with Federation Council approval. (Although it doesn't really have much power to impeach) The Federation Council approves or rejects laws passed by the Duma, confirms judicial appointments, ratifies treaties. - Explanation of the relationship between the legislature and other branches of government. aligned / subservient to Putin! Putin is really the one in charge, and is more of a dictator than a president. The judicial branch in Russia will interpret the laws. - Strengths and weaknesses of the legislative system in your assigned nation. It's bicameral, and each house helps check the other. It's somewhat weak because it is dominated by the United Russia party, and the President has dominance restrecting the power the legislature has.