Some territories within the Russian Federation are characterized by concentrated populations of ethnic groups and these areas function as autonomous republics. Which of the following best explains the political relationship between the autonomous republics and the central government of Russia? A The central government of Russia exerts complete control over the autonomous republics to counteract devolutionary pressures. B The autonomous republics are able to function independently from the central government because of an abundance of natural resources. C Russia is a multistate nation characterized by contested regional boundaries. D The autonomous republics provide ethnic groups with some political control over their homelands while preserving Russia's territorial integrity. E Russia is a unitary state characterized by many ethnic groups united within a single country.

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking us to identify the correct political relationship between the autonomous republics and the central government of Russia. The options provided are different interpretations of this relationship.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />Option A suggests that the central government of Russia exerts complete control over the autonomous republics to counteract devolutionary pressures. This is not accurate because the autonomous republics are not under the complete control of the central government.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Option B suggests that the autonomous republics are able to function independently from the central government because of an abundance of natural resources. This is also not accurate because the autonomous republics are not independent from the central government.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Option C suggests that Russia is a multistate nation characterized by contested regional boundaries. This is not accurate because Russia is not a multistate nation.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />Option D suggests that the autonomous republics provide ethnic groups with some political control over their homelands while preserving Russia's territorial integrity. This is accurate because the autonomous republics do provide ethnic groups with some political control over their homelands, but they still preserve Russia's territorial integrity.<br /><br />## Step 6<br />Option E suggests that Russia is a unitary state characterized by many ethnic groups united within a single country. This is not accurate because Russia is not a unitary state.