Facts for Kids

The State Duma is located in Russia 🇷🇺 and is the lower house of the Federal Assembly. It plays a big part in how the country is run! The Duma has 450 members called deputies, who are elected to represent the people. They help create and vote on laws 📝 that affect everyone in Russia, from big cities like Moscow to small villages. The Duma meets in a special building in Moscow called the State Duma House. It’s like a super important school where the students are deputies who work hard to make the country better!

Every five years, Russian citizens vote for deputies in the State Duma. 🗳

️ The elections can be exciting! People across the country go to polling stations to choose their representatives. There are two main ways candidates can be elected: some are chosen from political parties, while others run independently. After voting, the Duma’s deputies are determined, and the party with the most votes gets to have more members. This process helps ensure that everyone has a chance to have their opinions represented in the government!

As of October 2023, the State Duma has a mix of political parties. 🏅

United Russia holds the most seats, followed by the Communist Party and the Liberal Democratic Party. Each deputy works hard to speak for the people in their regions. The composition may change with each election based on how voters feel about different issues. By working together, they create a team that addresses various topics, making sure each party's voices are heard.

Throughout its history, the State Duma has passed many important laws. 📜

One such law is the "Law on Education," which helps shape how schools operate in Russia. Another significant act is the "Law on Health Protection," ensuring citizens have access to medical care. In recent years, new laws have been established to protect the environment 🌳 and improve technology. Each act reflects the needs and desires of the Russian people, showing how important the Duma is in adapting to a changing world!

The State Duma has a special structure. 🏗

️ It consists of 450 deputies divided into different political groups. These groups are like teams that work together on similar ideas. The Duma elects a chairman called the "Chairman of the State Duma," who helps organize meetings and discussions. Each deputy has a unique role, like the members of a sports team. They work in committees that focus on different topics, such as education, health, and finance. This helps everyone share their thoughts and collaborate to make good laws!

The State Duma was founded on April 27, 1906, during a time of change in Russia 🚀. It started as a way for people to share their opinions about laws and government decisions. But, back then, not all Russians could vote. The Duma had many changes over the years, and after the Russian Revolution in 1917, it was closed. It wasn’t until 1993 that the Duma was re-established in the way we know it today. Now, it holds great power in helping shape modern Russia, making sure citizens' voices are heard.

Like many organizations, the State Duma has faced controversy and criticism. ⚖

️ Some people believe that certain laws limit freedom of speech or do not represent all citizens fairly. Others think the election process can be unfair. It's important for citizens to voice their thoughts and take part in discussions! This feedback helps ensure deputies listen to the needs of their fellow Russians. Democracy is about everyone having a say, which is why it’s essential to keep talking about these issues!

The State Duma has many important powers! 💪

One of its key responsibilities is creating laws that help govern Russia. Deputies can propose new laws, and then everyone votes to see if they should be approved. They also check how the government spends money and can suggest changes to the country’s budget. Additionally, they can discuss and debate issues that matter to people, and help make decisions that affect daily life. By being active in their roles, deputies ensure that people’s concerns are addressed!

The State Duma is one of two parts of the Federal Assembly, with the other part being the Federation Council. 🏗

️ Together, they work on making sure laws and decisions are fair and represent everyone in Russia. The Duma proposes laws, while the Federation Council reviews and approves them. This teamwork ensures that ideas are well-thought-out, creating a balanced government. Deputies of the Duma often discuss issues with the Federation Council to ensure everyone's interests are protected.

Political parties play a big role in the State Duma. 🏛

️ Some of the main parties are “United Russia,” “Communist Party,” and “Liberal Democratic Party.” Each party has different ideas on how the country should be run, similar to how different sports teams have their own strategies! During elections, these parties try to win as many seats as possible, so they can influence laws and policies. When they work together, they can create better laws that reflect what the citizens want!

The State Duma works similarly to parliaments in other countries, like the US Congress and the UK Parliament. 🌎

In these places, elected representatives help create laws for their countries. However, different parliaments have unique rules and ways of functioning. For example, the Duma has a specific number of members, while the US Congress has two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate! Each system is designed to ensure that citizens' voices are heard, but they can vary in how they operate and the laws they create!