As the capital, Moscow is the seat of power for the Russian Federation. ^[1] At the centre of the city, in the Central Administrative Okrug, is the Moscow Kremlin. This building houses the President of Russia as well as national governmental facilities. These include military headquarters and the headquarters of the Federal Security Service. Moscow, like with any national capital, is also the host of all the foreign embassies and diplomats representing a multitude of nations in Russia.

Moscow is designated as one of three federal cities of Russia – the others being Saint Petersburg and Sevastopol (although the status of the latter is disputed). Among the 85 federal subjects of Russia, Moscow represents the most populated one and the second-smallest one in terms of area. Moscow is located within the central economic region, one of twelve regions within Russia with similar economic goals. The basic law of the city is the Charter of Moscow that was adopted in 1995.

The Mayor of Moscow is the leading official in the executive, leading the Government of Moscow, which is the highest organ of executive power.

Main article: Moscow City Duma

The Moscow City Duma is the City Duma ( city council or local parliament) and local laws must be approved by it. It includes 45 members who are elected for a five-year term on a Single-mandate constituency basis.