During the Soviet period there was practically no post of the head of state. Formally this duty was accomplished by a collective body - the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic at the head of a chairman. Being empowered according to the Constitution by considerable formal authorities this body played far not an independent role in the life of the country. Since the Chairman and the Secretary singed legal acts without collegial consideration.

The post of the President was established in the Russian Federation by a national referendum in April, 1991 and on June, 12th the same year for this post was elected Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin by nation-wide vote.

Under the Constitution of the Russian Federation 1993 the President is the head of the state. The Constitution defines the term President as the supreme official and the head of the Executive power. To have a proper notion of the status of the President it is necessary to remember that the President is the head of the Federal Sate. The President of the Russian Federation is elected by general elections and represents common interests of all people of Russia. And any actions contribute to regions in prejudice of the other regions are illegal. The President of the Russian Federation as the head of the Federal State has a right to control the Presidents of the Republics in the structure of Russia. The president if as well free from the interests of political parties or public movements. Coordination between the President and the Parliament shall provide the unity of Sate and regional interests.

Under the article 81 of RF Constitution:

-The President of the Russian Federation is elected for a term of four years by the citizens of the Russian Federation on the basis of general, equal and direct vote by secret ballot.
 - A citizen of the Russian Federation not younger than 35, who has resided in the Russian Federation for not less than 10 years, may be elected President of the Russian Federation.
 - No one may hold the office of President of the Russian Federation for more than two terms in succession.
 - The procedure for electing the President of the Russian Federation is determined by federal law.

On the 26th of March, 2000 For the post of the President of the Russian Federation was elected Putin Vladimir Vladimirovich who assumed office on May, 7, 2000

The official site of the President is at http://www.kremlin.ru