The political system of Russia is a federal semi-presidential republic. It features a strong executive branch led by the President, who is the head of state and has significant powers, including appointing the Prime Minister and other key officials. The Federal Assembly serves as the legislative body, consisting of two chambers: the State Duma and the Federation Council. Elections in Russia are held for both the presidency and the parliament, but the political landscape is often dominated by the United Russia party, which supports the current government. The judiciary is independent, but its effectiveness and impartiality are frequently questioned, leading to concerns about the overall democratic process.