Within the limits of its powers local self-government is independent. Organs of local self-government do not form part of the system of organs of State power. In the Russian Federation ideological diversity is recognized. No ideology may be established as the State ideology or as a compulsory ideology. In the Russian Federation political diversity and a multi-party system are recognized.
Social associations are equal before the law.
The creation and activity of social associations whose objectives and actions are directed towards the forcible alteration of the basic principles of the constitutional system and the violation of the integrity of the Russian Federation, the undermining of the security of the State, the creation of armed formations, or the fueling of social, racial, national or religious strife are prohibited. The Russian Federation is a secular state. No religion may be established as the State religion or a compulsory religion. Religious associations are separated from the State and are equal before the law. The Constitution of the Russian Federation has supreme legal force and is direct-acting and applies throughout the territory of the Russian Federation.