Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Official website of the State –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
December 12 marks Constitution Day in Russia—a commemorative date commemorating the adoption of the country's main law. This is more than just a celebration—it's a reminder that our legal system rests on a single foundation that transcends all laws, decrees, and regulations.
The Constitution of the Russian Federation has supreme legal force and applies throughout the country, and any regulations that contradict it are null and void. For the first time in Russian history, it enshrines the direct applicability of constitutional norms: every citizen can defend their rights by directly invoking the Constitution, and the courts are obligated to apply it first and foremost.
A product of presidential confrontation
Sergei Chuev, head of the Department of Public and Municipal Administration, spoke about the complex and dramatic history of coordinating the text of the country's main document:
President Boris Yeltsin and the Supreme Soviet of Russia tried to agree on new "rules of the game" throughout the early 1990s. Each side had its own vision. The Supreme Soviet and the Congress of People's Deputies wanted to retain their status as the country's key governing body. Yeltsin's team, however, defended the idea that the "omnipotence of the Soviet" was outdated and a presidential model was needed. Prolonged debates, discussions, and conciliatory meetings yielded no results.
As a result, in the fall of 1993, President Boris Yeltsin decided to take a radical step – a forceful decision to dissolve the Supreme Soviet, which took place in September-October of that year.
As is well known, a constitution always legally enshrines the balance of political forces that exists at the time of its adoption. Russia's fundamental law was no exception. It cemented the presidential "victory."
Expression of the people's will
On December 12, 1993, a referendum was held. 58,187,755 people, or 54.8% of registered voters, participated. 32,937,630 people voted in favor of adopting the Constitution—58.4% of those who participated.
"Russian citizens supported the final draft with their vote, which effectively cemented the country's new political system," concluded Sergei Chuev.
The Constitution officially entered into force on December 25, 1993, the day it was published. It enshrined the principle of separation of powers, human rights and freedoms as the highest values, and a new federal model.
Since 1994, by decree of Boris Yeltsin, December 12 has been a public holiday and a non-working day. However, since January 1, 2005, following amendments to the Labor Code, this day has been designated a working day, and in July of that year, it was designated a commemorative date in Russia.
It should be noted that the Constitution is not a museum exhibit or a ceremonial document, but a working tool that protects citizens' rights every day, regulates the work of government, and determines the country's future. Therefore, since its adoption, the Russian Constitution has been amended repeatedly, reflecting significant changes in Russian society.
"The text of the Constitution has been amended repeatedly, the most significant of which took place in 2020. Gradually, the model of Russia's political system is being filled with new content and practices, emphasizing that the text of the fundamental law is not a 'sacred cow,' but living matter, evolving over time," Sergei Vladimirovich points out.
Sacred symbol
More than a thousand people worked on the text of the Constitution over the course of three and a half years, and it has no single author—it is a collective creation of the era, a sacred symbol of Russian statehood. This is why the special copy of the Constitution, on which the president takes the oath of office upon assuming office, has special significance in the rituals of supreme power in Russia.
The binding of the country's most important book is made of precious red monitor lizard skin, with a massive silver coat of arms and the gold inscription "Constitution of Russia" on the cover. Although the decree establishing presidential regalia was repealed in 2000, and this copy lost its official status, it is traditionally used at all inaugurations as a symbol of continuity and respect for the fundamental law.
Despite its status as a workday, December 12th is marked by celebratory events across the country. The President congratulates citizens on Constitution Day at state awards ceremonies. Regional events include meetings, concerts, and awards ceremonies for judges, lawyers, and government officials. Schools and universities host law classes, lectures, and discussions on civil liberties and the rule of law.
The State University of Management, as a university that trains the next generation of managers, considers one of its key objectives to be developing a deep understanding of the constitutional foundations of Russian statehood in its students. After all, knowledge of and respect for the Constitution is the foundation of responsible, competent, and ethical governance.
Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: December 12, 2025.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.