The Civic Сhamber of the Russian Federation: its Creation and Stages of Development

Abstract

The article examines the creation of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation (CCRF) and the evolution of its activities in the context of the social-political evolution in Russia during the last fifteen years. The Civic Chamber activities are analyzed using the authors’ conception of mediator-institutes. The Chambers’ activities are normatively based on three federal laws, therefore it is a serious element of the paternalistic model of interaction between the government and society in Russia. The gradual change of balance between ‘active’ and ‘loyal’ members of CCRF towards the ‘loyal’ part is noticed. This shift is a result of changes in the political regime as well as changes in the chambers’ membership. During the last seven years half of its composition is formed from the representatives of Civic Chambers of the subjects of the Russian Federation, who passed through double control for loyalty.