Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union (TheodoresTomfooleries)
Supreme Soviet of the USSR Верховный Совет СССР Verkhovnyy Sovet SSSR | |
|---|---|
| 19th Supreme Soviet | |
 | |
| Type | |
| Type | Bi-cameral |
| Houses | • Soviet of Nationalities • Soviet of the Union |
Term limits | 2 |
| History | |
| Founded | 1938 |
| Preceded by | Congress of Soviets |
| Leadership | |
Collective | |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 2000 |
Length of term | 5 years |
| Meeting place | |
 | |
| Kremlin Presidium (Joint sessions of both houses) | |
| Website | |
| www.gov.su | |
The Supreme Soviet of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Верховный Совет Союза Советских Социалистических Республик, tr. Verkhovnyy Sovet Soyuza Sovetskikh Sotsialisticheskikh Respublik) is the bi-cameral and most authoritative legislature in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. It was established by the 1936 Soviet Constitution and was formally started in 1938.
De-jure the most supreme legislative body in the Soviet Union, de-facto its members often relegate power to the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet. True governmental power is understood to be with the Council of Ministers.
Elections are held every 5 years since 1979. The Soviet meets 5 times a year for 1 week to discuss legislation. Members may serve for 2 terms with a length of 10 years total.