Library:Constitution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (1977)

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Constitution
(Fundamental Law)
of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

The Great October Socialist Revolution, accomplished by the workers and peasants of Russia under the leadership of the Communist Party headed by V.I Lenin, overthrew the rule of capitalists and nobility, smashed the shackles of oppression, established the dictatorship of the proletariat, and created the council state — a new type of state, the basic instrument for defending the revolution's gains, and for constructing socialism and communism. Humanity thus began the globally historic turn from capitalism to socialism.

After achieving victory in the civil war and repelling imperialist intervention, the Soviet authority implemented profound social and economic transformations, and put an end once and for all to exploitation of man by man, to class antagonisms, and animosity between nationalities. The union of the council republics in the Soviet Union increased the powers and opportunities of the peoples of the country in the construction of socialism. Social ownership of the means of production and genuine democracy for the working masses were asserted. For the first time in history of humanity, a socialist society was created.

The brilliant strength of socialism was demonstrated by the immortal feats of the Soviet people and their Armed Forces in achieving the historical victory in the Great Patriotic War. This victory strengthened the prestige and international position of the USSR and revealed new favorable opportunities for the growth of socialism, national liberation, democracy and peace across the whole world.

Continuing their constructive work, the workers of the Soviet Union have ensured the rapid and all-round progress of the country and the improvement of the socialist system. They have strengthened the alliance of the working class, the collective-farm of peasantry and people's intelligentsia, and friendship of the nations and nationalities of the USSR. The socio-political and ideological unity of Soviet society, in which the working class is the leading force, has developed. The aims of the dictatorship of the proletariat having been achieved, the Soviet state has become a state of the whole people. The leading role of the Communist Party— the vanguard of all the people, has grown.

In the USSR, a developed socialist society has been built. At this stage, when socialism is developing on its own foundation, the constructive forces of the new system and the advantages of the socialist way of life have been revealed, and the workers are more extensively enjoying the fruits of their great revolutionary gains.

It is a society in which powerful productive forces and progressive science and culture has been established, in which the well-being of the people is constantly improving, and more extensively favorable conditions for the all-round development of the individual have arisen.

It is a society of mature socialist social relations, in which, on the basis of the convergence of all classes and social strata and of the juridical and factual equality of all its nations and nationalities and their fraternal cooperation, a new historic community of people— the Soviet people, has formed.

It is a society of highly organized ideological and class-conscious workers- who are patriots and internationalists.

It is a society in which the law of life is the concern of good of all for each and the concern of each for the good of all.

It is a society of genuine democracy, in which the political system ensures effective administration of all public affairs, the ever-greater active participation of the working class in the government, and the combining of the real rights of citizens with their duties and responsibilities to society.

A developed socialist society is a natural stage in the path towards communism.

The supreme goal of the Soviet government is the construction of a classless communist society, in which there will develop a communist self-government. The main tasks of the socialist state of all the people are: the creation of a material and technological base for communism, to develop socialist social relations and transform them into communist ones, to upbring the man of communist society, to raise the workers' material and cultural standards of living, to ensure the security of the country, and to promote the consolidation of peace and the development of international co-operation.

The Soviet people:

  • Guided by the ideas of scientific communism and complying faithfully to their revolutionary traditions,
  • Relying on the great socio-economic and political gains of socialism,
  • Striving for the further development of socialist democracy,
  • Taking into consideration the international position of the USSR as a constituent part of the international system of socialism, and conscious of their international responsibility,
  • Preserving continuity of the ideas and principles of the first Soviet constitution of 1918, the 1924 Constitution of the USSR and the 1936 Constitution of the USSR,

Affirm the foundations of the social order and policy of the USSR, determine the rights, freedoms and duties of citizens, and the principles of the organization and goals of a socialist society of all the people, and proclaim them in this constitution.

I. PRINCIPLES OF THE SOCIAL STRUCTURE AND POLICY OF THE USSR

Chapter 1. The Political System

Article 1. The USSR is a socialist state of the entire people, expressing the will and interests of the workers, farmers, and intelligentsia of all the working people of the nations and nationalities in the country.

Article 2. All power in the USSR belongs to the people.

The people exercise state power through councils made up of people's deputies, which form the political foundation of the USSR.

Article 3. The organisation and functions of the Soviet state are based in accordance with the principle of democratic centralism: the election of all bodies of state power from bottom to top, their accountability to their people, and the binding of decisions made by higher authorities for lower ones. Democratic centralism combines cohesive leadership with initiative and creative activity on the job, with the responsibility of every government body and official for their assigned work.

Article 4. The Soviet state and all its bodies operate on the basis of socialist legality, ensures the protection of law and order, the interests of society, and the rights and freedoms of citizens.

State and public organizations and their officials are obliged to comply with the constitution of the USSR and Soviet laws.

Article 5. The most important issues of state and public life are brought to the attention of the public for discussion, and also put to a popular vote (referendum)

Article 6. The leading and guiding force of Soviet society, the core of its political system, state and public organizations is the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. The CPSU exists for the people, and serves the people.

Under Marxist-Leninist doctrine, the Communist Party determines the general prospects for the development of society, the line of internal and foreign policy of the USSR, manages the grand constructive activities of the Soviet people, and gives a systematic, scientifically-based character to its fight for the triumph of communism.

All party organizations operate within the framework of the Soviet constitution.

Article 7. Trade unions, the All-Union Lenin Communist Youth Organization, cooperatives and other public organizations, in accordance with their statutory objectives, participate in the management of state and public affairs and in decisions both political, economic and socio-cultural.

Article 8. Work collectives participate in discussions and decisions of state and public affairs, in the planning of production and social development, in training and arrangement of personnel, in discussing and solving issues of managing enterprises and institutions, in improvements to working and living conditions, the use of funds intended for the development of production, as well as for socio-cultural affairs and material promotion.

Work collectives develop socialist emulation, contribute to the spread of advanced working methods, the strengthening of the discipline of labor, educate their members in the spirit of communist ethics, tends to the increase of their political consciousness, and their cultural and professional qualifications.

Article 9. The main direction of the development of the Soviet political system is the continuous development of socialist democracy: of the ever-broader involvement of citizens in administration of state and public affairs, improving the state apparatus, the promotion of the activities of public organizations, reinforcing people's control, strengthening the legal foundations of state and public life, the expansion of publicity, and the continuous consideration of public opinion.

Chapter 2. The Economic System

Article 10. The basis of the economic system of the USSR is the socialist ownership of the means of production in the form of state (public) and collective farms or cooperative property.

Socialist ownership includes the assets of trade unions and other public organizations that are necessary for the fulfillment of their statutory tasks.

The state protects socialist property and establishes conditions for its multiplication.

Nobody has the right to use socialist property for the purposes of private profit and other selfish purposes.

Article 11. State property is the common property of all Soviet people and the main form of socialist ownership.

The exclusive property of the state includes the land (soil), its minerals, its water and its forests. The state owns the means of production in industry, construction and agriculture, the means of transportation and communication, banks, the assets of state-organized trade, public and other enterprises, the main urban housing stock, as well as other assets necessary to carry out the tasks of the state.

Article 12. The property of collective farms and other cooperative organizations and their associations are the means of production and other assets they need to carry out statutory tasks. The land borrowed by collective farms is assigned to them for their free and perpetual use.

The state promotes the development of collective farm and cooperative assets and its convergence with the state. Collective farms, like other land users, are obliged to use the land effectively, treat it with care, and enhance its fruitfulness.

Article 13. The basis of personal possessions of the citizens of the USSR is earned income. Personal possessions may include everyday items, personal consumption, amenities and household farms, houses and earned savings. The personal possessions of citizens and the right to inherit it are guaranteed by the state. Citizens may use plots of land provided to them by established law for the running of subsidiary farming (including keeping livestock and poultry), fruit-growing and vegetable growing, as well as individual housing construction. Citizens have a duty to rationally utilize the land plots provided to them. State and collective farms provide assistance to citizens in managing their farms.

Possessions, both personal and public, should not serve to extract unearned profit or to be used to the detriment of the interests of society.

Article 14. The source of the growth of social wealth and the well-being of the Soviet people and every individual is the labor, free from exploitation, of the Soviet people.

In accordance with the socialist principle "from each according to his ability, to each according to his work", the state exercises control over the measure of work and consumption. It determines the rate of taxation on income subject to taxation.

Socially useful work and its results determines a person's position in society. The state, combining material and moral incentives, encourages innovation, a creative attitude to work, and contributes to the transformation of labor into the first vital need of every Soviet person.

Article 15. The supreme goal of social production under socialism is the most complete satisfaction of the growing material and inner needs of the people.

By guiding the creative activity of workers, socialist emulation, achievements of scientific and technological progress and improving the forms and methods of economic management, the state ensures an increase in labor productivity, an increase in production efficiency and quality of work, and a dynamic, planned, and proportional development of the national economy.

Article 16. The economy of the USSR constitutes a single national economic complex, including all branches of social production, distribution and exchange on the territory of the country.

Economic management is carried out on the basis of the state planning of economic and social development, taking into account industrial and territorial principles, with a combination of centralized management with the economic independence and initiative of enterprises, unions, and other organizations. In this case, economic calculations of profit, cost, and other economic levers and incentives are considered.

Article 17. In the USSR, in accordance with the law, individual labor in the fields of handicrafts, farming, consumer services, as well as other types of activities are permitted based exclusively on the personal labor of citizens and members of their family. The state regulates the activity of individual labor and ensures it serves the interests of society,

A citizen may own property for consumer and industrial purposes, acquired at the expense of earned income and on other legal grounds, except for types of property which the acquisition of which by citizens is not allowed.

For farming and personal subsidiary farming and other purposes stipulated by law, citizens have the right to own plots of land in lifetime inherited possession as well as utilize them.

The right to inherit the property of a citizen is recognised and protected by law. 

Article 18. In the interests of generations both present and future, the USSR adopts the necessary steps taken for the protection of, and scientifically based, rational use of the land and its minerals and waters, the plant and animal kingdoms, the preservation of the purity of water and air, the reproduction of natural wealth, and the improvement of the human environment.

Chapter 3. Social Development and Culture

Article 19.. The social foundation of the USSR is the unbreakable union between the workers, farmers, and intelligentsia. The state contributes to the strengthening of the social homogenity of society - the erasure of class differences, differences between urban and rural, mental and physical labor, and a comprehensive development and rapproachment of all nations and nationalities of the USSR.

Article 20. In accordance with the communist ideal of "Free development of each is the condition for the free development of all", the state pursues as its goal the expansion of real opportunities for citizens to use their creative abilities and talents for the comprehensive development of the individual.

Article 21. The state cares for the improvement of working condition, the protection of labor and its scientific organization, with the goal of reducing and ultimately eliminating all arduous physical labor through complex mechanizatoin and automation of production processes in all sectors of the national economy.

Article 22. The USSR implements a consistent program of the transformation of agricultural labor into a form of industrial labor, the extension of the network of educational, cultural and medical institutions, public catering, services and utilities to rural areas, and the transformation of hamlets and villages into comfortable settlements.

Article 23. Based on the growth of the productivity of labor, the state pursues a policy of increasing the wages and real income of workers.

In order to more completely satisfy the needs of the Soviet people, public consumption funds are created. The state, with the broad participation of public organizations and work collectives, ensures the growth and fair distribution of these funds.

Article 24. In the USSR, state systems of healthcare, social security, services and public catering, consumer services and public utilities are operated and developed. The state promotes and encourages the activities of co-operatives and other public organizations for the providing of all types of services for the population. The state promotes the development of mass physical culture and sports.

Article 25. In the USSR, there exists a constantly improving unified system of public education which provides general educational and professional training of citizens, serves communist education, the cultural and physical development of youth, and prepares them for work and social activities.

Article 26. In accordance with the needs of society, the state provides for the systematic development of the sciences and training of scientific personnel and organizes the introduction of the conclusions of scientific research into the national economy and other spheres of life.

Article 27. The state concerns itself with the protection, enhancement, and augmenting of cultural values for the moral and aesthetic education of the Soviet people, raising their cultural level. In the USSR, the development of professional and folk art is encouraged in every way.

Chapter 4. Foreign Policy

Article 28. The USSR steadfastly pursues the Leninist policy of peace and advocates the strengthening of the safety of people and extensive international cooperation.

The foreign policy of the USSR is directed towards ensuring favorable international conditions for the building of communism in the USSR, protecting the state interests of the USSR, strengthening the position of world socialism, supporting the struggle of peoples for national liberation and social progress, preventing wars of aggression, achieving general and complete disarmament and the consistent implementation of the principle of peaceful coexistence of states with different social systems. War propaganda is prohibited in the USSR.

Article 29. The USSR's relations with other states is based on the principles of sovereign equality; that is mutual renunciation of the threat or usage of force, inviolability of borders, the territorial integrity of states, peaceful settlements of disputes, non-interference in internal affairs, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, equality of rights and the rights of people to control their own destiny, cooperation between states, good faith fulfillment of obligations arising from universally recognized principles and norms of international law and from treaties concluded by the USSR with other states.

Article 30. The USSR, as a constituent part of the world system of socialism and the socialist community, develops and strengthens friendship and cooperation and friendly mutual assistance with socialist countries on the basis of the principle of socialist internationalism and actively participates in economic integration and the international socialist sharing of labour.

Chapter 5. Defense of the Socialist Fatherland

Article 31. The defense of the socialist Fatherland constitutes the most important functions of the state and is the concern of all its people.

In order to defend socialist gains, the peaceful labor of the Soviet people, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state, the Armed Forces of the USSR are created, and universal military service is established.

The duty of the Armed Forces of the USSR to the people is to reliably defend the socialist Fatherland, to be in constant combat readiness, and guarantee an immediate response to any aggressor.

Article 32. The state ensures the security and defensive capabilities of the country and equips the Armed Forces of the USSR with everything that is required.

The duties of State bodies, public organizations, officials and citizens to ensure the security of the country and the strengthening of its defensive capacities shall be determined by legislation of the Soviet Union.

II. THE STATE AND THE INDIVIDUAL

Chapter 6. Citizenship of the USSR and Equality of Citizens

Article 33. The USSR establishes a common union citizenship. Every citizen of a union republic is a citizen of the USSR.

The grounds and procedure for acquiring and losing Soviet citizenship are determined by the Law on Citizenship of the USSR. Citizens of the USSR abroad shall enjoy the protection and patronage of the Soviet state

Article 34 Citizens of the USSR shall be equal before the law, irrespective of origin, social and property status, race and nationality, sex, education, language, attitude to religion, type and nature of occupation, place of residence and other circumstances.

Equality of the citizens of the USSR shall be provided for in all spheres of economic, political, social and cultural life.

Article 35. Women and men have equal rights in the USSR.

The realization of these rights is assured by providing women with equal opportunities with men in education and vocational training, work, remuneration and promotion, social, political and cultural activities, as well as by special measures to protect the labor and health of women, by creating conditions enabling women to combine work and motherhood, by providing legal protection, material and moral support for motherhood and childhood, which includes paid leave and other benefits for pregnant women.

Article 36. Citizens of the USSR of different races and nationalities have equal rights.

The exercise of these rights is ensured by a policy of comprehensive development and convergence of all nations and nationalities of the USSR, the education of citizens in the spirit of Soviet patriotism and socialist internationalism, and the opportunity to use their native language and the languages of other peoples of the USSR.

Any direct or indirect restriction of rights, establishment of direct or indirect advantages, of citizens on racial and national grounds, as well as preaching of any racial or national exclusiveness, enmity or contempt, shall be punishable by law.

Article 37. Foreign citizens and stateless persons in the USSR shall be guaranteed the rights and freedoms provided for in the law, including the right to appeal to the courts and other state bodies for the protection of their personal property, family and other rights.

Foreign citizens and stateless persons in the territory of the USSR are obliged to respect the constitution of the USSR and to observe Soviet laws.

Article 38. The USSR grants the right of asylum to foreigners persecuted for defending the interests of workers and the cause of peace, for participation in revolutionary and national liberation movements, progressive socio-political, political, scientific or other creative activities.

Chapter 7. Fundamental Rights, Freedoms and Duties of Citizens of the USSR

Article 39. Citizens of the USSR possess the entirety of socio-economic, political and personal rights and freedoms proclaimed and guaranteed by the Constitution of the USSR and Soviet laws. The socialist system ensures the expansion of rights and freedoms and the continuous improvement of the living conditions of citizens as programs of socio-economic and cultural developments are implemented.

The usage of rights and freedoms by citizens must not harm the interests of society and the state, or the rights of other citizens.

Article 40. Citizens of the USSR have the right to work, i.e. to receive guaranteed work with wages in accordance with its quantity and quality and not lower than the minimum amount established by the state, including the right to choose a profession, occupation and work in accordance with their vocation, abilities, professional training, education and taking into consideration social needs.

This right is guaranteed by the socialist system of economy, the steady growth of productive forces, free vocational training, improvement of labor skills and training in new specialties, and the development of systems of vocational guidance and employment.

Article 41. Citizens of the USSR have the right to rest. This right is ensured by the establishment for workers and employees of a working week not exceeding 41 hours, a shorter working day for a number of professions and industries, a shorter duration of night work, the provision of annual paid vacations, days of weekly rest, as well as the expansion of the network of cultural, educational and health-improvement institutions, the creation of favorable opportunities for recreation at places of residence and other conditions for the rational use of free time.

The duration of working hours and rest of collective farmers is regulated by collective farms.

Article 42. Citizens of the USSR have the right to health protection.

This right is ensured by free qualified medical care provided by public health institutions, the expansion of the network of institutions for the treatment and promotion of the health of citizens, the development and improvement of safety and industrial sanitation, the implementation of extensive preventative measures, measures to improve the environment, special care of the health of the younger generation, improving the prohibition of child labor unrelated to education and labor education, the development of scientific research, and the assurance of the longevity of active life for citizens.

Article 43. Citizens of the USSR have the right to material security in old age, in case of illness, total or partial disability, and loss of the ability to work. This right is guaranteed by social insurance for workers, employees and collective farmers, temporary disability benefits, payment at the expense of the state and collective farms, of pensions for age, disability and loss of the ability to work, employment of citizens who have partially lost the ability to work, care for elderly citizens and the disabled, and other forms of social security.

Article 44. Citizens of the USSR have the right to housing.

This right is ensured by the development and protection of the state and public housing stock, the promotion of cooperative and individual housing construction, the fair distribution under public control of the living space provided, and programs for the construction of comfortable dwellings and public utilities. Citizens of the USSR are obliged to carefully treat the housing granted to them.

Article 45. Citizens of the USSR have the right to education.

This right is ensured by the free availability of all types of education, the implementation of universal compulsory secondary education for young people, the extensive development of vocational, technical, specialized secondary and higher education based on the relationship between education and life and production, the development of remote and evening education, the provision of state scholarships and benefits to pupils and students, the free provision of school textbooks, the possibility of schooling in one's mother tongue, and the creation of conditions for self-education.

Article 46. Citizens of the USSR have the right to enjoy their cultural achievements.

This right is ensured by the public accessibility of the values of domestic and world cultures which are located in state and public collections, the development and even distribution of culturally educational institutions throughout the territory of the country, the development of television and radio, book publishing and periodical press, a network of free libraries, and the expansion of cultural exchange with foreign states.

Article 47. Citizens of the USSR, in accordance with the goals of communist construction, are guaranteed freedom of scientific, technical, and artistic works. This is ensured by the extensive development of scientific research, of inventive and innovative activities, and the development of literature and the arts. The state establishes the material conditions necessary for this, provides support to voluntary associations and creative unions, and organizes the introduction of inventions and innovative proposals into the national economy and other spheres of life.

The rights of authors, inventors and innovators are defended by the state.

Article 48. Citizens of the USSR have the right to participate in the administration of state and public affairs, and in the discussion and adoption of laws and decisions of national and local importance.

This right is ensured by the opportunity to elect and be elected to the Soviets of people's deputies and other elective state organs, to participate in national discussions and votes, in the People's Control, in the work of state organs, public organizations and bodies of public initiative, and in the meetings of labour collectives and at places of residence.

Article 49. Every citizen of the USSR shall have the right to submit to state organs and public organizations suggestions to improve their activities and to criticize drawbacks in their work.

Officials are obliged to consider, within established periods, examining the proposals and petitions of citizens, give answers to them and to take necessary action. Persecution for criticism is prohibited. Persons who persecute for criticism shall be held responsible.

Article 50. In accordance with the interests of the people and with the goal of strengthening and developing the socialist system, citizens of the USSR are guaranteed the freedoms of: speech, press, assembly, rally, street processions, and demonstrations.

The realization of these political freedoms is ensured by the assignment to workers and their organisations public buildings, streets and squares, the extensive dissemination of information, and the opportunity to utilize the press, television and radio.

Article 51. In accordance with the goals of the construction of communism, citizens of the USSR have the right to unite in public organisations which contribute to the development of political activity and initiatives and the satisfaction of their diverse interests.

Public organizations shall be guaranteed conditions for the successful realization of their statutory tasks.

Article 52. Citizens of the USSR are guaranteed the freedom of conscience: that is the right to profess any religion or to profess none, to perform religious worship or to conduct atheistic advocacy. Incitement to enmity and hate in relation to religious beliefs is forbidden.

Church in the USSR is separated from the state, and school from the church.

Article 53. The family is under the protection of the state.

Marriage is based on the voluntary consent of a woman and a man; couples are completely equal in rights and family affairs.

The state cares for the family via the creation and development of an extensive network of children's institutions, organizing and improving services both domestic, social, and nutritional, paying a benefit on the occasion of childbirth, allotting allowances and benefits to large families, and such other forms of benefits and assistance to families.

Article 54. Citizens of the USSR are guaranteed the inviolability of the person. No one may be subject to arrest except on the basis of a court's verdict or with the sanction of a prosecutor.

Article 55. Citizens of the USSR are guaranteed the inviolability of the home. No one has the right without legal grounds to enter a home against the will of its residents.

Article 56. The personal life of citizens, and the secrecy of correspondence, telephone conversations and telegraphic communications shall be protected by law.

Article 57. Respect for the individual, and protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens, is the duty of all state bodies, public organizations, and officials.

Citizens of the USSR have the right to judicial protection against infringement on their honor and dignity, life and health, personal freedom and property.

Article 58. Citizens of the USSR have the right to appeal against the actions of officials and state and public bodies. Complaints shall be considered in accordance with the procedure and within the time limits established by the law.

Actions of officials that were committed in violation of the law, in excess of authority, or that infringe on the rights of citizens, may be appealed, in accordance with the procedure established by the law, in court.

Citizens of the USSR have the right to compensation for damages, whether caused by unlawful actions of state and public organisations or by officials in the performance of their official duties.

Article 59. The realization of the rights and freedoms of citizens are inseparable from the fulfillment of their duties. Citizens of the USSR are obliged to observe the Constitution of the USSR and Soviet laws, respect the rules of socialist living, and to carry with dignity the noble status of citizen of the USSR.

Article 60. A duty and a matter of honor for every able-bodied citizen of the USSR is conscientious labour in his/her chosen field of socially useful work and the observance of work ethic. Avoiding socially useful labor is incompatible with the principles of socialist society.

Article 61. Citizens of the USSR are obliged to preserve and strengthen socialist property. It is the duty of the citizens of the USSR to fight against the misappropriation and waste of state and public property and to treat the property of the people with care.

Persons who encroach on socialist property will be punished according to the law.

Article 62. Citizens of the USSR are obliged to protect the interests of the Soviet state and to contribute to the strengthening of its power and authority.

The defence of the socialist Fatherland is the sacred duty of every citizen of the USSR.

Treason against the Soviet Union is the gravest crime against its people.

Article 63. Military service in the ranks of the Armed Forces of the USSR is an honorable duty of Soviet citizens.

Article 64. It is the duty of all citizens of the USSR to respect the national dignity of other citizens and to strengthen the friendships of nations and nationalities of the Soviet multinational states.

Article 65. Citizens of the USSR are obliged to respect the rights and lawful interests of other people, oppose anti-social behavior, and to support in every possible way the protection of public order.

Article 66. Citizens of the USSR are obliged to care for the upbringing of their children, to prepare them for socially useful labour, and to raise them as decent members of socialist society. Children have a duty to care for and assist their parents.

Article 67. Citizens of the USSR are obliged to take care of nature and to protect its wealth.

Article 68. Care for the preservation of historical monuments and other cultural values is the duty and obligation of all citizens of the USSR.

Article 69. The international duty of a citizen of the USSR is to promote friendship and cooperation with the peoples of other countries and support and strengthen world peace.  

III. NATIONAL-STATE ORGANISATION OF THE USSR

Chapter 8. The USSR - a Federal State

Article 70. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is a single union of multinational states, formed on the basis of the principle of socialist federalism as a result of the free self-determination of nations and voluntary unification of equal soviet socialist republics.

The USSR embodies the state unity of the Soviet people and unites all nations and nationalities in order to build communism together.

Article 71. In the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics unite:

    • The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic,
    • The Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic,
    • The Belorussian Soviet Socialist Republic,
    • The Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic,
    • The Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic,
    • The Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic,
    • The Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic,
    • The Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic,
    • The Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic,
    • The Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic,
    • The Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic,
    • The Tadzhik Soviet Socialist Republic,
    • The Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic,
    • The Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic,
    • and the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic.

Article 72. Each Union republic retains the right to freely secede from the USSR.

Article 73. The jurisdiction of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, represented by its supreme bodies of state power and administration, shall include:

1) the admission into the USSR of new republics; approval of the formation of new autonomous republics and autonomous oblasts[a] within the union republics;
2) the determination of the state border of the USSR and approval of border changes between the union republics;
3) the establishment of general principles of organisation and work of republican and local bodies of state power and administration;
4) ensuring the unity of legislative regulation throughout the USSR and establishing the foundations of the legislation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and its union republics;
5) the implementation of a unified socio-economic policy and the management of the country's economy: the determination of the principal issues of scientific and technical progress and general measures for rational use and protection of natural resources; the elaboration on and approval of state plans for the economic and social development of the USSR, and the endorsement of reports on their implementation;
6) the development and approval of a common state budget of the USSR and the endorsement of the report on its implementation; the management of the common monetary and credit system; the establishment of taxes and revenues for the formation of the state budget of the USSR; the determination of pricing and payment policies;
7) the management of the sectors of the national economy by unions and enterprises under union subordination: that being the general management of industries of union-republican subordination;
8) issues of peace and war, defence of sovereignty, the protection of the state borders and territory of the USSR; organisation of defence; management of the Armed Forces of the USSR
9) assuring state security:
10) the representation of the USSR in international relations; relations of the USSR with foreign states and international organisations; the establishment of a common system and managing of relations of the union republics with foreign states and international organisations; foreign trade and other types of foreign economic activities on the basis of state monopoly;
11) inspection of compliance with the Constitution of the USSR and ensuring conformity of the constitutions of the union republics with the Constitution of the USSR;
12) determining other issues of all-union importance.

Article 74. The laws of the USSR have equal force on the territory of all its union republics. In case of a discrepancy between the law of a union republic and all-union Law, the Law of the USSR shall apply.

Article 75. The territory of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is united and includes the territories of its union republics. The sovereignty of the USSR extends over its entire territory.

Chapter 9. The Union Soviet Socialist Republic

Article 76. A union republic is a sovereign socialist soviet state that has united with other soviet republics to form the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Outside the limits specified in Article 73 of the Constitution of the USSR, a union republic independently exercises state power on its territory.

A union republic has its own constitution, corresponding to the Constitution of the USSR and taking into account the characteristics of the republic.

Article 77. A union republic participates in the resolution of issues under the jurisdiction of the USSR in the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, government of the USSR, and other bodies of the USSR.

Union republics shall ensure comprehensive economic and social development on its territory and contribute to the exercise of the powers of the USSR on its territory and implement the decisions of the highest organs of state power and government of the USSR.

On matters under its jurisdiction, the union republic coordinates and controls the activities of enterprises, institutions and organisations of union subordination.

Article 78. The territory of a union republic cannot be changed without its consent. Boundaries between union republics may be changed by mutual agreement of their respective republics, which is subject to approval by the USSR.

Article 79. A union republic determines its division into krais,[b] oblasts,[c], okrugs,[d] and raions[e] and decides other issues of administrative-territorial organisation.

Article 80. A union republic shall have the right to enter into relations with foreign states, conclude treaties with them and exchange diplomatic and consular representatives and participate in the activities of international organisations.  

Article 81. The sovereign rights of the union republics are protected by the USSR.

Chapter 10. The Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic

Article 82. Autonomous republics are situated within a union republic.

An autonomous republic, outside the rights of the USSR and the union republic, independently decides on matters within its jurisdiction.

An autonomous republic has its own constitution, corresponding to the Constitution of the USSR and the Constitution of the union republic and taking into account the characteristics of the autonomous republic.

Article 83. Autonomous republics shall participate in the resolution of issues within the jurisdiction of the USSR and its union republic through the supreme bodies of state power and government of the USSR and its union republic respectively.

An autonomous republic ensures the comprehensive economic and social development of its territory, facilitates the exercise on that territory of the powers of the USSR and its union republic, and executes the decisions of the supreme bodies of state power and government of the USSR and its union republic.

On matters within its jurisdiction, the autonomous republic coordinates and controls the activities of enterprises, institutions and organisations of Union and republican (union republic) subordination.

Article 84. The territory of an autonomous republic may not be changed without its consent.

Article 85. The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic consists of the following autonomous soviet socialist republics:

    • Bashkir ASSR
    • Buryat ASSR
    • Dagestan ASSR
    • Kabardino-Balkar ASSR
    • Kalmyk ASSR
    • Karelian ASSR
    • Komi ASSR
    • Mari ASSR
    • Mordovian ASSR
    • North Ossetian ASSR
    • Tatar ASSR
    • Tuvan ASSR
    • Udmurt ASSR
    • Chechen ASSR
    • Ingush ASSR
    • Chuvash ASSR
    • Yakut (Sakha) ASSR
    • Karachay-Cherkess ASSR
    • Altai ASSR

The Karakalpak Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic is part of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic.

The Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republics of Abkhazia and Adzhara are part of the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic.

The Nakichevan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic is part of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic.

The Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic is part of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.

Chapter 11. The Autonomous Oblast and Autonomous Okrug

Article 86. An autonomous oblast is part of a union republic or territory. The law of an autonomous oblast shall be adopted by the Supreme Soviet of a union republic on the proposal of the Soviet of People's Deputies of the autonomous oblast.

Article 87. The Jewish and Khakassian Autonomous Oblasts are part of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic.

The South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast is part of the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic.

The Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast is part of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic.

The Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast is part of the Tadzhik Soviet Socialist Republic.

Article 88. An autonomous okrug is part of a krai or oblast. The law of an autonomous okrug is adopted by the Supreme Soviet of a union republic on the proposal of the Soviet of People's Deputies of the autonomous okrug.

Article 89. The autonomous okrugs of Chukotka, Khanty-Mansia, Nenetsia, Yamalo-Nenetsia, Agin-Buryatia, Evenkia, Komi-Permyakia, Koryakia, Taymyr, and Ust-Orda Buryatia are part of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic.

IV. SOVIETS OF PEOPLE'S DEPUTIES AND THE PROCEDURE FOR THEIR ELECTION

Chapter 12. The System and Principles of Activity of the Soviets of People's Deputies

Article 90. The Soviets of People's Deputies, consisting of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Supreme Soviets of the union republics, the Supreme Soviets of autonomous republics, krai and oblast Soviets of People's Deputies, Soviets of People's Deputies of autonomous oblasts and autonomous okrug districts, cities, urban districts, settlements and villages shall constitute a unified system of state authority.

Article 91. The term of office of the Soviets of People's Deputies is five years.

Elections to the Soviets of People's Deputies shall be scheduled no later than four months before the expiry of the term of office of the respective Soviets.


Article 92. The most important issues of all-Union, republican and local significance are resolved at meetings of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, sessions of Supreme Soviets of the union republics and local Soviets of People's Deputies or are submitted by them to referendums.

The Supreme Soviet of the USSR and the Supreme Soviet of union republics elect the Chairman of their respective Soviets. Local Soviets of People's Deputies elect the Chairman of their respective Soviets. The Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Supreme Soviet of the union republics and local Soviets of People's Deputies, with the exception of city (cities of district subordination), settlement and village Soviets, have their own chairmen.

The Soviets of People's Deputies elect standing commissions and establish executive-administrative and such bodies accountable to them.

Officials elected or appointed by the Soviets of People's Deputies may not hold office for more than two consecutive terms.

Any official may be dismissed from office early in case of improper performance of his/her duty.

Article 93. The Soviets of People's Deputies form the organs of the people's control over the USSR, combining state control with the public control of workers of enterprises, collective farms, institutions and organisations.

Organs of the people's control verify compliance with the requirements of legislation, state plans and assignments; fight against violations of state discipline, manifestations of localism,[f] a bureaucratic approach to work, mismanagement and waste, red tape and bureaucracy, coordinates the work of other control bodies, and contributes to the improvement of the structure and work of the state apparatus.

Article 94. The Soviets of People's Deputies directly and through the bodies created by them direct all branches of state, economic and socio-cultural construction, accept decisions, ensure their implementation, and exercise control over the implementation of decisions.

Article 95. The work of the Soviets of People's Deputies is based on collective, free, professional discussion and resolution of issues, transparency and the regular accountability by the executive and administrative organs and other organs created by the Soviets to them and the population, and the extensive involvement of citizens in their work.

The Soviets of People's Deputies and the bodies they establish take into consideration public opinion and submit for discussion by citizens the most important issues of national and local importance and informs citizens of their work and the decisions they adopt in an organized manner.

Chapter 13. The Electoral System

Article 96. Elections of people's deputies are held in single-mandate or multi-mandate constituencies on the basis of universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret ballot. In order to ensure the representation of public organisations according to the standards established by the laws of the USSR, union and autonomous republics and one third of the people's deputies of the USSR and the people's deputies of union and autonomous republics shall be elected from public organisations: the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, trade unions, cooperative organisations, the All-Union Leninist Young Communist League, women's association, war and labour veterans, scientists, professional unions and other organisations established in accordance with law belonging to all-union or republican bodies.

Elections of people's deputies from public organisations are held at their congresses, conferences, or plenums of their all-union or republican bodies.

Article 97. Election of people's deputies from constituencies is based on universal voting. All citizens of the USSR who have reached the age of 18 have the right to vote. All delegates of the congresses, conferences or participants in the plenums of all-union or republican bodies have the right to elect deputies from public organisations.

A citizen of the USSR who has reached the age of 18 may be elected a People's Deputy. A citizen who has reached the age of 21 may be elected as a People's Deputy of the USSR. A citizen of the USSR may not be a people's deputy in more than two Soviets of People's Deputies at the same time.

Members of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, Council of Ministers of union and autonomous republics, executive committees of local Soviets of People's Deputies, with the exception of the chairmen of these bodies, heads of institutions and departments of executive committees of local Soviets, judges and state arbitrators may not be deputies in the Soviet by which they are appointed or elected.

Mentally ill citizens who have been declared incompetent by a court, persons held in places of deprivation of liberty, as well as those sent by court decision to places of compulsory treatment shall not participate in these elections.

Article 98. The election of people's deputies from constituencies is equal: a voter in each constituency has one vote, and voters participate in the election on an equal basis.

In the election of people's deputies from a public organisation, each delegate to its congress, conference or plenum has one vote, and all of them participate in the election on an equal basis.

Article 99. The election of people's deputies from constituencies is direct: people's deputies are directly elected by citizens.

People's deputies from public organisations are elected directly by delegates of their congresses, conferences or participants in the plenums of their all-union or republican bodies.

Article 100. Voting in the election of people's deputies is secret: control over the will of the voters is forbidden.

Article 101. The right to nominate candidates for people's deputies in constituencies belongs to labour collectives, public organisations, assemblies of voters at their place of residence and servicemen from military units, while the right to nominate candidates for people's deputies from public organisations belongs to their all-union or republican bodies, which take into account proposals for candidates for deputies received from local bodies and collectives and members of these organisations.

The number of candidates for people's deputies is not limited. Each participant of the pre-election meeting may propose any candidates for discussion, including his/her own.

Any number of candidates may appear on the ballot.

In the election of people's deputies from constituencies, pre-election meetings in constituencies may be held to discuss the candidates nominated by the constituency and to make decisions on the submission of candidates for registration to the relevant electoral commission.

Expenses related to the preparation and holding of elections of people's deputies are at the expense only of the State.

Article 102. Preparations for the election of people's deputies are carried out openly and publicly.

Elections are conducted by electoral commissions, which are formed from representatives of labour collectives, public organisations, meetings of voters at their place of residence, and servicemen from military units.

Citizens of the USSR, labour collectives and public organisations are guaranteed the possibility of free and comprehensive discussion of the political, professional and personal qualities of candidates for people's deputies, as well as the right to campaign for or against a candidate at meetings, in the press, on television and radio.

The procedure for holding elections of people's deputies is determined by the laws of the USSR and union and autonomous republics.

Article 103. Voters and public organisations give orders to their deputies.

The relevant Soviets of People's Deputies consider the orders and take them into account when developing plans for economic and social development and budgeting, as well as when preparing decisins on other issues, and organise the implementation of the orders and inform citizens about their implementation.

Chapter 14. The People's Deputy

Article 104. Deputies are the authorised representatives of the people in the Soviets of People's Deputies.

By participating in the work of the Soviets, deputies resolve issues of state, economic and socio-cultural construction, organise the implementation of the decisions of the Soviets, and exercise control over the work of State bodies, enterprises, institutions and organisations.

In his/her work, a deputy must be guided by national interests, take into account the needs of the population of the constituency, and seek to fulfil the wishes of the electorate.

Article 105. A deputy must exercise his/her powers without interrupting his/her work or official activities.

During sessions of the Soviet, as well as for the exercise of the powers of deputies in other cases stipulated by the law, a deputy is exempted from occupational or official obligations while retaining his average salary at his permanent place of work.

Article 106. A deputy shall have the right of enquiry to the relevant state bodies and officials, who shall be obligated to respond to the enquiry at the session of the Soviet.

A deputy has the right to apply to all state and public bodies, enterprises, institutions and organisations issues of deputy activity and has to take part in consideration of the issues raised by him/her. The heads of the relevant state and public bodies, enterprises, institutions and organisations shall be obligated to receive the deputy without delay and consider his proposals within the established time limits.

Article 107. A deputy shall be provided with conditions for the unimpeded and effective exercise of his/her rights and duties.

The immunity of deputies, as well as other guarantees of the work of deputies, is established by the Law on the Stauts of Deputies and other legislative acts of the USSR and the union and autonomous republics.

Article 108. A deputy shall be oblged to report on his/her work and the work of the Soviet to its voters, as well as to the collectives and public organisations that nominated him/her as a candidate for deputy.

A deputy who has failed to meet the electorate's confidence may be recalled at any time by decision of the majority of the electorate in accordance with the procedure established by the Law.

V. THE SUPREME ORGANS OF STATE POWER AND GOVERNMENT OF THE USSR

Chapter 15. The Supreme Soviet of the USSR

Article 109. The highest body of state authority in the USSR is the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

The Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall have the right to take into consideration and decide on any issue falling within the jurisdiction of the USSR.

The exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall include:

    • 1) the adoption of the Constitution of the USSR and the introduction of amendments to it;
    • 2) decision-making on issues of national-state organisation within the jurisdiction of the USSR;
    • 3) determination of the state border of the USSR; approval of changes in the borders between the union republics;
    • 4) defining the primary objectives of the domestic and foreign policy of the USSR;
    • 5) the approval of long-term state plans and the chief all-union programmes for the economic and social development of the USSR and the State Budget of the USSR and reports on their fulfilment;
    • 6) the election of the Chairman of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics;
    • 7) the election of the Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR;
    • 8) the election of the First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR;
    • 9) the confirmation of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR;
    • 10) the confirmation of the Chairman of the People's Control Committee of the USSR, the Chairman of the Supreme Court of the USSR, the Prosecutor-General of the USSR, and the Chief State Arbitrator of the USSR;
    • 11) decision-making based on holding a popular vote (referendum);
    • 12) the admission of new republics into the USSR;
    • 13) the approval of the formation of new autonomous republics and regions

The laws and resolutions of the USSR are adopted by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR by a majority of its deputies or by popular vote (referendum) held by decision of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

Chapter 110. The Supreme Soviet of the USSR consists of two chambers: the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities. The chambers of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall be equal.

Chapter 111. The Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities shall consist of an equal number of deputies.

The Soviet of the Union is elected by constituencies of equal population.

The Soviet of Nationalities is elected according to the following standard: 55 deputies from each union republic, 30 deputies from each autonomous republic, 15 deputies from each autonomous oblast and 10 deputies from each autonomous okrug.

Article 112. The Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall convene for its first meeting no later than two months after the elections.

The Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities, on the proposal of the credentials committees they elect, shall decide on the recognition of the credentials of deputies, and in cases where electoral legislation has been violated, invalidate the election of individual deputies.

The Supreme Soviet of the USSR is convened biannually by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet for regular sessions occurring in spring and autumn that last, as a rule, for three of four months each.

Extraordinary sessions shall be convened on the initiative of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, on the proposal of one of the chambers of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Chairman of the USSR, at least one-third of the total deputies of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, or on the initiative of a union republic represented by its supreme organ of state power. Regular sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR are held twice a year. A session of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall consist of separate and joint meetings of the chambers, as well as meetings of standing committees of the chambers or commissions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR held between them. The session shall be opened and closed at separate or joint meetings of the chambers.

Article 113. The right of legislative initiative in the Supreme Soviet of the USSR belongs to the Soviet of the Union, the Soviet of Nationalities, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Council of Ministers of the USSR, the union republics represented by their supreme organs of state power, commissions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and standing commissions of its chambers, deputies of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Supreme Court of the USSR, and the Prosecutor-General of the USSR.

Public organisations represented by their all-union bodies also have the right of legislative initiative.

Article 114. Drafted laws and other issues submitted for review by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR are discussed by the chambers at their separate or joint meetings. If necessary, a drafted law or a relevant issue may be referred to one or more commissions for preliminary or additional review.

A law in the USSR shall be deemed adopted if in each chamber of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR a majority of the total number of deputies of the chamber votes in favour of it. Resolutions and other acts of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall be adopted by a majority of the total number of deputies of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

Drafted laws and issues most important to public life may be submitted for national discussion by a decision of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR or the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, adopted on their initiative or at the suggestion of a union republic.

Article 115. Each chamber of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall have the right to consider any issues falling within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

Matters of social and economic development and state building that are of general importance for the whole country; the rights, freedoms and duties of the citizens of the USSR; the foreign policy of the USSR; and the defence and state security of the USSR shall be considered first and foremost in the Soviet of the Union.

Matters of ensuring national equality, the interests of the nations, nationalities and national groups in conjunction with the general interests and needs of the Soviet multinational state; and of improving the USSR legislation that governs inter-ethnic relations shall be considered first and foremost in the Soviet of Nationalities.

Each chamber adopts resolutions on matters within its competence.

A resolution adopted by one of the chambers shall, if necessary, be transferred to the other chamber and, if approved by it, shall acquire the force of a resolution of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

Article 116. In cases of disagreement between the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities, an issue will be referred to a conciliation commission formed by the chambers on a parity basis, after which the issue shall be considered again by the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities at a joint session. If even in this case no agreement is reached, the question shall be referred to the next session of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR or shall be submitted by it to a national vote (referendum).

Article 117. The laws of the USSR, resolutions and other acts of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall be published in the languages of the union republics under the signatures of the Chairman and the Secretary of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

Article 118. A deputy of the supreme Soviet of the USSR shall have the right to address an enquiry to the Council of Ministers of the USSR, ministers and heads of other bodies formed by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. The Council of Ministers of the USSR or the official to whom the enquiry is addressed shall be obliged to give an oral or written response within no more than three days at a given session of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

Article 119. A deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR may not be held criminally liable, arrested or subject to administrative punishment imposed by a court of law without the consent of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, and between its sessions, and without the consent of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

Article 120. The Supreme Soviet of the USSR elects, at a joint session of its chambers, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, a permanent body of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR accountable to it in all its activities and exercising, within the limits provided for by the Constitution, with the functions of the highest body of state authority of the USSR in the period between its sessions.

The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR consists ex officio of:

    • The Chairman of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics,
    • The Chairman of the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities,
    • The First Deputy Chairman of the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities,
    • Fifteen Deputy Chairmen of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR,
    • Chairmen of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviets of the union republics,
    • Chairmen of the People's Control Commission of the USSR,
    • Chairmen of the standing commissions of the chambers and committees of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR

The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR is headed by the Chairman of the USSR.

Article 121. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet:

    • 1) convenes sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR;
    • 2) schedules elections to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR;
    • 3) organises the preparation of meetings of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and sessions of the Soviet of the Union and Soviet of Nationalities;
    • 4) coordinates the activities of the standing commissions of the chambers and committees of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR;
    • 5) exercises control over the observance of the Constitution of the USSR and ensures the conformity of the constitutions and laws of the union republics with the Constitution and laws of the USSR;
    • 6) provides interpretation of the laws of the USSR;
    • 7) organises the preparation and holding of national votes (referendums), as well as national discussions of drafted laws of the USSR and other most important issues of public life;
    • 8) ratifies and denounces international treaties of the USSR;
    • 9) cancels resolutions and orders of the Council of Ministers of the USSR and the Councils of Ministers of the union republics if they do not comply with the Law;
    • 10) forms the Council of Defence of the USSR and approves its composition, appoints and replaces the supreme commanders of the Armed Forces of the USSR;
    • 11) declares martial law in the interests of the defence of the USSR throughout the country as well as in certain localities, subject to mandatory consideration of the issue with the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the unio republic considered; may introduce special forms of administration in these cases, carried out by the state organs of the USSR and the union republics;
    • 12) between sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR declares a state of war in the event of a military attack on the USSR or in the event of the need to fulfil international treaty obligations of mutual defence against aggression;
    • 13) declares general or partial mobilisation;
    • 14) exercise other powers established by the Constitution and laws of the USSR.

Article 122. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR in the period between sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR with subsequent submission for its approval at its next session:

    • 1) makes, if necessary, changes to the current legislative acts of the USSR;
    • 2) approves changes to the borders between the union republics;
    • 3) on the proposal of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, forms and abolishes ministries of the USSR and state committees of the USSR;
    • 4) on the proposal of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, dismisses from office and appoints individual members who are members of the Council of Ministers of the USSR.

'Article 123. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR issues decrees and adopts resolutions.

Article 124. Upon expiration of the powers of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR retains its powers until the newly elected Supreme Soviet of the USSR forms a new Presidium.

The newly elected Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall be convened by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of the previous composition no later than two months after the elections.

Article 125. The head of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and the highest official of the Soviet state is the Chairman of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, who represents the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics within the country and in international relations.

The Chairman of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is elected by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR from among the deputies of the Supreme Soviet nominated by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR by secret ballot for a term of five years. The term of the Chairman of the USSR is renewable. He/she may be recalled at any time by secret ballot by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

The Chairman of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is directly accountable to the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

Article 126. The Chairman of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics:

    • 1) carries out the general management of the preparation of issues to be considered by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and the Supreme Soviet of the USSR; signs laws of the USSR and other acts adopted by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR;
    • 2) submits reports to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and the Presidium of the uUpreme Soviet of the USSR on the state of the country and on important issues of the domestic and foreign policy of the USSR, ensures the defence capability and security of the USSR;
    • 3) submits to the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR a candidate for appointment or election to the post of First Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, and then submits that candidate to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR for approval;
    • 4) submits to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR candidates for appointment or election to the positions of Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, Chairman of the People's Control Commission of the USSR, Chairman of the Supreme Court of the USSR, Prosecutor General of the USSR, Chief State Arbitrator of the USSR, and then submits these officials to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR for approval;
    • 5) heads the Council of Defence of the USSR;
    • 6) submits to the Council of Defence candidates for appointment or election to judge of the military tribunals of the USSR;
    • 6) conducts negotiations and signs international treaties of the USSR;
    • 7) confers the highest military ranks, diplomatic ranks, and other special titles of the USSR;
    • 8) awards orders and medals of the USSR, confers honorary titles of the USSR;
    • 9) decides on issues of the granting or deprivation of citizenship of the USSR, on the withdrawal of citizenship of the USSR, and granting asylum;
    • 10) grants pardons;
    • 11) appoints and recalls diplomatic representatives of the USSR in foreign states and to international organisations;
    • 12) accepts letters of credecne and recall from diplomatic representatives of foreign states accredited to it;
    • 13) in the interests of protecting the USSR and the security of its citizens, declare a state of emergency throughout the country, as well as in individual localities, subject to mandatory consideration of the issue with the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the unio republic considered; may introduce special forms of administration in these cases, carried out by the state organs of the USSR and the union republics;
    • exercises other powers established by the Constitution and laws of the USSR.

The Chairman of the USSR issues orders.

The First Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and the Deputy Chairmen of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR perform, upon authorisation of the Chairman of the USSR, individual functions of the Chairman and replace the Chairman in the event of his/her absence or inability to perform his/her duties.

'Article 127. The Soviet of the Union and the Council of Nationalities separately or jointly elect from among its members standing committees of the chambers to conduct legislative work, preliminary consideration and preparation of issues related to the jurisdiction of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, as well as to facilitate the implementation of the laws of the USSR and other decisions adopted by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, and control over the activities of state bodies and organisations.

For the same purposes, the chambers of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR may create committees of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on a parity basis.

The Supreme Soviet of the USSR and each of its chambers shall, when they deem necessary, create investigative, audit, and other commissions on any issue.

The standing commissions of the chambers and committees of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR are annually renewed by one-third of their composition.

Article 128. Laws and other decisions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, and resolutions of its chambers are adopted, as a rule, after preliminary discussion of the drafts by the relevant standing committees of the chambers or committees of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

The appointment and election of officials to the Council of Ministers of the USSR, the People's Control Commission of the USSR, the Supreme Court of the USSR, as well as the boards of the Prosecutor's Office of the USSR and the State Arbitration Court of the USSR shall be carried out in the presence of a conclusion from the relevant standing commissions of the chambers or committees of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

Proposals of commissions and committees shall be subject to mandatory consideration by state and public bodies, institutions and public organisations. The results of the consideration and the measures taken must be reported to the commissions and committees concerned within the timeframe established by them.

Article 129. The Supreme Soviet of the USSR exercises control over the activities of all state organs accountable to it.

The Supreme Soviet of the USSR forms and directs the activities of the People's Control Commission of the USSR, which heads the system of people's control organs.

The organisation and procedure for the activities of people's control bodies are determined by the Law on People's Control in the USSR.

Article 130. The procedure for the activities of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and its bodies are determined by the Rules of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and other laws of the USSR issued on the basis of the constitution of the USSR.

Chapter 16. The Council of Ministers of the USSR

Article 131. The Council of Ministers of the USSR, the Government of the USSR, is the highest executive and administrative body of state power of the USSR.

Article 132. The Council of Ministers of the USSR is formed by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR at a joint session of the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities, consisting of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, first deputies and deputy chairmen, ministers of the USSR, and chairmen of state committees of the USSR.

The Council of Ministers of the USSR includes, ex officio, the chairmen of the Councils of Ministers of the union republics.

On the recommendation of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, the Supreme Soviet of the USSR may include in the Government of the USSR the heads of other bodies and organisations of the USSR.

The Council of Ministers of the USSR shall resign its powers to the newly elected Supreme Soviet of the USSR at its first session.

Article 133. The Council of Ministers is responsible and accountable to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, and, between sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, to the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, to which it was accountable.

The Council of Ministers of the USSR shall regularly report on its work to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

Notes

  1. ↑ Russian: область, lit. '"region", "province"'
  2. ↑ Russian: край, lit. '"territory"'
  3. ↑ Russian: о́бласть, lit. '"region", "province"'
  4. ↑ Russian: округ, lit. '"district"'
  5. ↑ Russian: райо́н, lit. '"district", "region"'
  6. ↑ Russian: ме́стничество

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