The Russian Federation was set up by the Constitution of 1993. Politically it is a presidential (or a constitutional) republic. The head of state is the President. His functions are to control all the three branches of power. The President is commander-in-chief of the armed forces, he makes treaties and enforces laws, appoints the prime minister, cabinet members and key judges. There are three branches of power: legislative, executive and judicial. The Federal Assembly consists of the Federation Council (upper house) and the State Duma (lower house). The State Duma is elected by popular vote for a four-year period. The Federation Council is formed of the heads of the regions.The legislative power is vested in the Federal Assembly.The executive power belongs to the Government.The judicial power is represented by the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court and regional courts.