The Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Medvedev - how do they work?

Question

Why was Russia known as the Russian Federation in the Olympics this year? Has it always been that way? I thought it was just plain Russia.

I understand that V. Putin was the President of Russia, then... what, was there a vote? Was he voted out? Now D. Mevedev is President, but Putin still looks like he runs the show.

Putin was the one at the Olympics. Does he represent the country?

What's happening over there? I'd love an explination that outlined things a little!

Answer 1

Putin created his new position as Prime minister so he could stay in power. He is the first Prime minister of Russia. He runs the show, and president Mevedev is  only a puppet on a string. He has no power that Putin didn't give him and arrange. There was no Democratic election. Russia voted as they were told to vote or threatened to lose their job or worse. There is no democracy in Russia, It is still much the same as before the collapse in most of the former USSR.  Same old story different day.

Answer 2

it is the same as with just America and United States of America, just Germany and Bundes Republic of Germany and the like;

Putin has been president for 2 terms, Russian laws do not permit to stay longer; so Putin was assigned as prime minister by new president; both positions seem to be important in Russia unlike prime minister of GB or president of USA;

Answer 3

IN other words it called jobs for the BOYS......you really wonder who is given the orders  putin or dmitrymedvedev.....if you can imagine ..bush retiring after his, term then just before he ritres he appoints d**k cheyne as the next president of the usa ..and in turn d**k cheney declares bush as the chief justice of america or some high positon of influnce..thats the russian polotics for you ..as far as iam aware in GB nad AUS... and the USA retirment from polotics means just that ..you can be called on for advice but you cant hold a post in current goverment.. but russians think you can..

Answer 4

Medvedev - president, general elections - 2 march 2008, V. Putin - premier, Putin is not the last man in the authorities, Medvedev and Putin is from one party,  Russia was represented by Russian sportsmen. =)