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The fall of the Soviet Union was a colossal historical moment. Fifteen independent states were wrenched from the Soviet Union. Why were certain institutions made stronger than others? No test of tangible variables has ever turned up statistically signific ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

President Putin is wielding more and more power and the current American administration has expressed concern over this and the war in Chechnya. This study examines what effect Putin's increasing presidentialism as well as the government acknowledged war in Chechnya has had on political party unity in the Russian State Duma. Does the Duma hold a party line when Putin bypasses this institution altogether in an attempt to stand up to his increasing powers? Does the war in Chechnya breed party unity on all issues or certain issues? These questions are answered using statistical evidence in this study. The examination of the Duma is extremely important as it provides a window into an institution that could make or break the status of democracy in Russia by its weakness or strength. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]