The analysis is aimed at describing and explaining the mechanisms of appointing the Government of the Russian Federation and the role of the President and the State Duma in the process. Thus, legal regulations (both constitutional ones and those included in acts of lesser importance) and decisions of the Constitutional Tribunal are analyzed. The use of dogmatic method is supplemented by the studies of disputes that arise during the process of law application. Thus, the specificity of the interpretation of the provisions of the Russian Federation Constitution is shown in this context. The use of the research methods results in proving that the President plays a key role in the process of appointing the Government of the Russian Federation. His will is a decisive factor for both the dynamics of the process of composing the government and its personal character, and - in case of a dispute on that issue with the State Duma - also for the existence of the lower chamber of the Parliament. At the same time, however, the Constitution guarantees that the State Duma gives the Prime Minister designated by the President a vote of confidence, and the procedure cannot be treated as a meaningless formality. Acceptance of the presidential candidate by the State Duma is not only an agreement for the person to hold the post of Prime Minister, but also an indirect, provisional approval of the person's program.