Топики на английском для школьников "Government"

Moscow is governed by a City Soviet (City Council) of about 500 deputies elected to five-year terms. Each deputy represents an election district called a ward.

Before 1990, only one candidate ran for election in each ward. The candidate was elected unless most voters crossed his or her name off the ballot. In the March 1990 city election, two or three candidates could run for each position on the City Soviet.

Candidates from opposing political organisations were nominated by individuals or groups. Voters crossed the name of the candidates they opposed off the ballots. A candidate had to receive at least 50 percent of the vote in his or her ward to win. In cases where no candidate received 50 percent of the vote, a runoff election was held.

Before 1991, members of the City Soviet elected one deputy to be chairman, or mayor. In June 1991, the people of Moscow elected their mayor directly. Later in 1991, the executive branch of the city government was reorganised. Moscow was divided into 10 administrative districts.

Each administrative district is headed by a prefect who is appointed by the mayor. The prefects and their staffs administer city services and policies in their areas. Moscow is also divided into local districts. Each district government is responsible for local affairs.