Russia: Centralized in Practice

Officially a federation: Has "federal subjects" like republics and oblasts with their own constitutions.

But... power is very centralized: The Kremlin (central government) heavily controls most political and economic decisions.

Autonomy often symbolic: Regions have limited ability to go against central policies.

Strongman politics: Central authority overrides local decisions if needed.

Spirit of Federalism?
Weak in practice. Centralized control dominates despite federal structure.