Question

Some territories within the Russian Federation are characterized by concentrated populations of ethnic groups, and these areas function as autonomous republics. Which of the following best explains the political relationship between the autonomous republics and the central government of Russia?

a) Decentralized political power and local autonomy.
b) Total independence from the central government.
c) Strict control and direct rule by the central government.
d) Equal power-sharing between autonomous republics and the central government.

Answer 1

The autonomous republics within the Russian Federation have decentralized political power and local autonomy with their own constitutions and governments, but they are not totally independent from the central government.

Step-by-step explanation:

The political relationship between the autonomous republics within the Russian Federation and the central government of Russia is best explained as decentralized political power and local autonomy. These autonomous republics have the right to have their own constitutions, governments, and to select an official language alongside Russian. While they possess some measure of self-governance in areas like education, language, and local laws, they do not have total independence from the central government.

Instead, the federation allows for regional ethnic groups to exert autonomy in certain domains while the central government retains control over national defense, interstate transportation, common currency, and the promotion of a common economy. Therefore, the correct answer to the question would be option (a) Decentralized political power and local autonomy.