Quote Originally Posted by Gottimhimmel View Post
Вы можете ответить в по русски, или по английски, но если вы ответить в по русски, есть случай, что я буду не понимать!

Basically, i would appreciate a thorough explanation of what putin and Medvedev's real powers, the role of the дума in government, and how "democratic" Russian politics really are.

In another note, a federation would infer that there exists a separation of powers at the federal, state and local levels, so my question here is whether that is really the case in Russia.

Thanks all.
Medvedev is like a figurehead or just swapping like you said. You'll just get replies from 'neo-soviet' Russian sympathizers of the communist era - as they are the only ones who reply in the politics section, unfortunately.

They (Putin regime) even may circumvent the Constitution but no surprise there. The one universal conclusion I can agree with is that there is not a worthwhile alternative but that seems to be the excuse and rationale for indifference or even support.