Soviet Constitution
Adopted on:
[Preamble]
The Great October Socialist Revolution, made by
the workers and peasants of Russia under the leadership of the Communist Party
headed by Lenin, overthrew capitalist and landowner rule, broke the fetters of
oppression, established the dictatorship of the proletariat, and created the
Soviet state, a new type of state, the basic instrument for defending the gains
of the revolution and for building socialism and communism. Humanity thereby
began the epoch-making turn from capitalist to socialism.
After achieving victory in the Civil War and
repulsing imperialist intervention, the Soviet government
carried through far-reaching social and economic transformations, and put an
end once and for all to exploitation of man by man, antagonisms between
classes, and strive between nationalities. The unification of the
The strength of socialism was vividly
demonstrated by the immortal feat of the Soviet people and their Armed Forces
in achieving their historic victory in the Great Patriotic War. This victory consolidated the influence and international standing of the
Continuing their creative endeavors, the working
people of the
In the
It is a society in which powerful productive
forces and progressive science and culture have been created, in which the
well-being of the people is constantly rising, and more and more favorable
conditions are being provided for the all-round development of the individual.
It is a society of mature socialist social
relations, in which, on the basis of the drawing together 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 historical community of
people has been formed -- the Soviet people.
It is a society of high organizational capacity,
ideological commitment, and consciousness of the working people, who are
patriots and internationalists.
It is a society in which the law of life is
concern of all for the good of each and concern of each for the good of all.
It is a society of true democracy, the political
system of which ensures effective management of all public affairs, ever more
active participation of the working people in running the state, and the
combining of citizen's real rights and freedoms with their obligations and
responsibility to society.
Developed socialist society is a natural,
logical stage on the road to communism.
The supreme goal of the Soviet state is the
building of a classless communist society in which there will be public,
communist self-government. The main aims of the people's socialist state are:
to lay the material and technical foundation of communism, to perfect socialist
social relations and transform them into communist relations, to mould the
citizen of communist society, to raise the people's living and cultural standards,
to safeguard the country's security, and to further the consolidation of peace
and development of international cooperation.
The Soviet people, guided by the ideas of
scientific communism and true to their revolutionary traditions, relying on the
great social, economic, and political gains of socialism, striving for the
further development of socialist democracy, taking into account the
international position of the USSR as part of the world system of socialism,
and conscious of their internationalist 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, hereby affirm
the principle so the social structure and policy of the USSR, and define the
rights, freedoms and obligations of citizens, and the principles of the
organization of the socialist state of the whole people, and its aims, and
proclaim these in this Constitution.
Part
I Principles of Social Structure and Policy
Chapter 1
Political System
Article 1
The
Article 2
(1) All power in the
(2) The people exercise state power through
Soviets of People's Deputies, which constitute the political foundation of the
(3) All other state bodies are under the control
of, and accountable to, the Soviets of People's Deputies.
Article 3
The Soviet state is organized and functions on
the principle of democratic centralism, namely the electiveness of all bodies
of state authority from the lowest to the highest, their accountability to the
people, and the obligation of lower bodies to observe the decisions of higher
ones. Democratic centralism combines central leadership with local initiative
and creative activity and with the responsibility of the each state body and
official for the work entrusted to them.
Article 4
(1) The Soviet state and all its bodies function
on the basis of socialist law, ensure the maintenance of law and order, and
safeguard the interests of society and the rights and freedoms of citizens.
(2) State organizations, public organizations
and officials shall observe the Constitution of the
Article 5
Major matters of state shall be submitted to
nationwide discussion and put to a popular vote (referendum).
Article 6
(1) The leading and guiding force of the Soviet
society and the nucleus of its political system, of all state organizations and
public organizations, is the Communist Party of the
(2) The Communist Party, armed with
Marxism-Leninism, determines the general perspectives of the development of
society and the course of the home and foreign policy of the
(3) All party organizations shall function
within the framework of the Constitution of the
Article 7
Trade unions, the All-Union Leninist Young
Communist League cooperatives, and other public organizations, participate, in
accordance with the aims laid down in their rules, in managing state and public
affairs, and in deciding political, economic, and social an cultural matters.
Article 8
(1) Work collectives take part in discussing and
deciding state and public affairs, in planning production and social
development, in training and placing personnel, and in discussing and deciding
matters pertaining to the management of enterprises and institutions, and the use
of funds allocated both for developing production and for social and cultural
purposes and financial incentives.
(2) Work collectives promote socialist
emulation, the spread of progressive methods of work, and the strengthening of
production discipline, educate their members in the spirit of communist
morality, and strive to enhance their political consciousness and raise their
cultural level and skills and qualifications.
Article 9
The principal direction in the development of
the political system of Soviet society is the extension of socialist democracy,
namely ever broader participation of citizens in managing the affairs of
society and the state, continuous improvement of the machinery of state,
heightening of the activity of public organizations, strengthening of the
system of people's control, consolidation of the legal foundations of the
functioning of the state and of public life, greater openness and publicity,
and constant responsiveness to public opinion.
Chapter 2
Economic System
Article
10 [Socialist Ownership]
(1) The foundation of the economic system of the
(2) Socialist ownership also embraces the
property of trade unions and other public organizations which they require to
carry out their purposes under these rules.
(3) The state protects socialist property and
provides conditions for its growth.
(4) No one has the right to use socialist
property for personal gain or other selfish ends.
Article
11 [State Property]
(1) State property, i.e. the common property of
the Soviet people, is the principal form of socialist property.
(2) The land, its minerals, waters, and forests
are the exclusive property of the state. The state owns the basic means of
production in industry, construction, and agriculture; means of transport and
communication; the banks; the property of state-run trade organizations and
public utilities, and other state-run undertakings; most urban housing; and
other property necessary for state purposes.
Article
12 [Cooperative Property]
(1) The property of collective farms and other
cooperative organizations, and of their joint undertakings, comprises the means
of production and other assets which they require for the purposes laid down in
their rules.
(2) The land held by collective farms is secured
to them for their free use in perpetuity.
(3) The state promotes development of collective
cooperative property and its approximation to state property.
(4) Collective farms, like other land users, are
obliged to make effective and thrifty use of the land and to increase its
fertility.
Article
13 [Personal Property]
(1) Earned income forms the basis of the
personal property of Soviet citizens. The personal property of citizens of the
(2) Citizens may be granted the use of plots of
land, in the manner prescribed by law, for a subsidiary small-holding
(including the keeping of livestock and poultry), for fruit and vegetable
growing or for building an individual dwelling. Citizens are required to make
rational use of the land allotted to them. The state,
and collective farms provide assistance to citizens in working their
small-holdings.
(3) Property owned or used by citizens shall not
serve as a means of deriving unearned income or be employed to the detriment of
the interests of society.
Article
14
(1) The source of the growth of social wealth
and of the well-being of the people, and of each individual, is the labor, free
from exploitation, of Soviet people.
(2) The state exercises control over the measure
of labor and of consumption in accordance with the principle of socialism: "From each according to his ability, to
each according to his work". It fixes the rate of taxation on taxable
income.
(3) Socially useful work and its results
determine a person's status in society. By combining material and moral
incentives and encouraging innovation and a creative attitude to work, the
state helps transform labor into the prime vital need of every Soviet citizen.
Article
15
(1) The supreme goal of social production under
socialism is the fullest possible satisfaction of the people's growing
material, and cultural and intellectual requirements.
(2) Relying on the creative initiative of the
working people, socialist emulation, and scientific and technological progress,
and by improving the forms and methods of economic management, the state
ensures growth of the productivity of labor, raising of the efficiency of
production and of the quality of work, and dynamic, planned, proportionate
development of the economy.
Article
16
(1) The economy of the USSR is an integral
economic complex comprising all the elements of social production,
distribution, and exchange on its territory.
(2) The economy is managed on the basis of state
plans for economic and social development, with due account of the sectoral and territorial principles, and by combining
centralized direction with the managerial independence and initiative of
individual and amalgamated enterprises and other organizations, for which
active use is made of management accounting, profit, cost, and other economic
levers and incentives.
Article
17
In the USSR, the law permits individual labor in
handicrafts, farming, the provision of services for the public, and other forms
of activity based exclusively on the personal work of individual citizens and
members of their families. The state makes regulations for such work to ensure
that it serves the interest of society.
Article
18
In the interests of the present and future
generations, the necessary steps are taken in the USSR to protect and make
scientific, rational use of the land and its mineral and water resources, and
the plant and animal kingdoms, to preserve the purity of air and water, ensure
reproduction of natural wealth, and improve the human environment.
Chapter 3
Social Development, Culture
Article
19
(1) The social basis of the USSR is the
unbreakable alliance of the workers, peasants, and intelligentsia.
(2) The state helps enhance the social
homogeneity of society, namely the elimination of class differences and of the
essential distinctions between town and country and between mental and physical
labor, and the all-round development and drawing together of all the nations
and nationalities of the USSR.
Article
20
In accordance with the communist ideal -- "The free development of each is the
condition of the free development of all" -- the state pursues the aim
of giving citizens more and more real opportunities to apply their creative
energies, abilities, and talents, and to develop their personalities in every
way.
Article
21
The state concerns itself with improving working
conditions, safety and labor protection and the scientific organization of
work, and with reducing and ultimately eliminating all arduous physical labor
through comprehensive mechanization and automation of production processes in
all branches of the economy.
Article
22
A program is being consistently implemented in
the USSR to convert agricultural work into a variety of industrial work, to
extend the network of educational, cultural, and medical institutions, and of
trade, public catering, service and public utility facilities in rural
localities, and transform hamlets and villages into well-planned and well-appointed
settlements.
Article
23
(1) The state pursues a steady policy of raising
people's pay levels and real incomes through increase in productivity.
(2) In order to satisfy the needs of Soviet
people more fully social consumption funds are created. The state, with the
broad participation of public organizations and work collectives, ensures the
growth and just distribution of these funds.
Article
24
(1) In the USSR, state systems of health
protection, social security, trade and public catering, communal services and
amenities, and public utilities, operate and are being extended.
(2) The state encourages cooperatives and other
public organizations to provide all types of services for the population. It
encourages the development of mass physical culture and sport.
Article
25
In the USSR there is a uniform system of public
education, which is being constantly improved, that provides general education
and vocational training for citizens, serves the communist education and
intellectual and physical development of the youth, and trains them for work
and social activity.
Article
26
In accordance with society's needs, the state
provides for planned development of science and the training of scientific
personnel and organizes introduction of the results of research in the economy
and other spheres of life.
Article
27
(1) The state concerns itself with protecting,
augmenting and making extensive use of society's cultural wealth for the moral
and aesthetic education of the Soviet people, for raising their cultural level.
(2) In the USSR development of the professional,
amateur and folk arts is encouraged in every way.
Chapter 4
Foreign Policy
Article
28
(1) The USSR steadfastly pursues a Leninist
policy of peace and stands for strengthening of the security of nations and
broad international cooperation.
(2) The foreign policy of the USSR is aimed at
ensuring international conditions favorable for building communism in the USSR,
safeguarding the state interests of the Soviet Union, consolidating the
positions of world socialism, supporting the struggle of peoples for national
liberation and social progress, preventing wars of aggression, achieving
universal and complete disarmament, and consistently implementing the principle
of the peaceful coexistence of states with different social systems.
(3) In the USSR war propaganda is banned.
Article
29
The USSR's relations with other states are based
on observance of the following principles:
- sovereign equality;
- mutual renunciation of the use or threat of
force;
- inviolability of frontiers;
- territorial integrity of states;
- peaceful settlement of disputes;
- non-intervention in internal affairs;
- respect for human rights and fundamental
freedoms;
- the equal rights of peoples and their right to
decide their own destiny;
- cooperation among states; and
- fulfillment in good faith of obligations
arising from the generally recognized principles and rules of international
law, and from the international treaties signed by the USSR.
Article 30
The USSR, as part of the world system of
socialism and of the socialist community, promotes and strengthens friendship,
cooperation, and comradely mutual assistance with other socialist countries on
the basis of the principle of socialist internationalism, and takes an active
part in socialist economic integration and the socialist international division
of labor.
Chapter 5
Defence
Article
31
(1) Defence of the
Socialist Motherland is one of the most important functions of the state, and
is the concern of the whole people.
(2) In order to defend the gains of socialism,
the peaceful labor of the Soviet people, and the sovereignty and territorial
integrity of the state, the USSR maintains armed forces and has instituted
universal military service.
(3) The duty of the Armed Forces of the USSR to
the people is to provide reliable defence of the
socialist Motherland and to be in constant combat readiness, guaranteeing that
any aggressor is instantly repulsed.
Article
32
(1) The state ensures the security and defence capability of the country, and supplies the Armed
Forces of the USSR with everything necessary for that purpose.
(2) The duties of state bodies, public
organizations, officials, and citizens in regard to safeguarding the country's
security and strengthening its defence capacity are
defined by the legislation of the USSR.
Part
II State and Individual
Chapter 6
Citizenship, Equality
Article
33 [Citizenship]
(1) Uniform federal citizenship is established
for the USSR. Every citizen of a Union Republic is a citizen of the USSR.
(2) The grounds and procedure for acquiring or
forfeiting Soviet citizenship are defined by the Law on Citizenship of the
USSR.
(3) When abroad, citizens of the USSR enjoy the
protection and assistance of the Soviet state.
Article
34 [Equality]
(1) Citizens of the USSR are equal before the
law, without distinction of origin, social or property status, race or
nationality, sex, education, language, attitude to religion, type and nature of
occupation, domicile, or other status.
(2) The equal rights of citizens of the USSR are
guaranteed in all fields of economic, political, social, and cultural life.
Article
35
(1) Women and men have equal rights in the USSR.
(2) Exercise of these rights is ensured by
according women equal access with men to education and vocational and
professional training, equal opportunities in employment, remuneration, and
promotion, and in social and political, and cultural activity, and by special
labor and health protection measures for women; by providing conditions
enabling mothers to work; by legal protection, and material and moral support
for mothers and children, including paid leaves and other benefits for
expectant mothers and mothers, and gradual reduction of working time for mothers
with small children.
Article
36
(1) Citizens of the USSR of different races and
nationalities have equal rights.
(2) Exercise of these rights is ensured by a
policy of all-round development and drawing together of all the nations and
nationalities of the USSR, by educating citizens in the spirit of Soviet
patriotism and socialist internationalism, and by the possibility to use their
native language and the languages of other peoples in the USSR.
(3) Any direct or indirect limitation of the
rights of citizens or establishment of direct or indirect privileges on grounds
of race or nationality, and any advocacy of racial or national exclusiveness,
hostility, or contempt, are punishable by law.
Article
37
(1) Citizens of other countries and stateless persons
in the USSR are guaranteed the rights and freedoms provided by law, including
the right to apply to a court and other state bodies for the protection of
their personal, property, family, and other rights.
(2) Citizens of other countries and stateless
persons, when in the USSR, are obliged to respect the Constitution of the USSR
and observe Soviet laws.
Article
38
The USSR grants the right of asylum to
foreigners persecuted for defending the interests of the working people and the
cause of peace, or for participation in the revolutionary and
national-liberation movement, or for progressive social and political,
scientific, or other creative activity
Chapter 7
Basic Rights, Freedoms, Duties
Article
39 [Freedom]
(1) Citizens of the USSR enjoy in full the
social, economic, political and personal rights and freedoms proclaimed and
guaranteed by the Constitution of the USSR and by Soviet laws. The socialist
system ensures enlargement of the rights and freedoms of citizens and
continuous improvement of their living standards as social, economic, and
cultural development programs are fulfilled.
(2) Enjoyment by citizens of their rights and
freedoms must not be to the detriment of the interests of society or the state,
or infringe the rights of other citizens.
Article
40 [Work]
(1) Citizens of the USSR have the right to work
(that is, to guaranteed employment and pay in accordance wit the quantity and
quality of their work, and not below the state-established minimum), including
the right to choose their trade or profession, type of job and work in
accordance with their inclinations, abilities, training and education, with due
account of the needs of society.
(2) This right is ensured by the socialist
economic system, steady growth of the productive forces, free vocational and
professional training, improvement of skills, training in new trades or
professions, and development of the systems of vocational guidance and job
placement.
Article
41 [Rest]
(1) Citizens of the USSR have the right to rest and
leisure.
(2) This right is ensured by the establishment
of a working week not exceeding 41 hours, for workers and other employees, a
shorter working day in a number of trades and industries, and shorter hours for
night work; by the provision of paid annual holidays, weekly days of rest,
extension of the network of cultural, educational, and health-building
institutions, and the development on a mass scale of sport, physical culture,
and camping and tourism; by the provision of neighborhood recreational facilities,
and of other opportunities for rational use of free time.
(3) The length of collective farmers' working
and leisure time is established by their collective farms.
Article
42 [Health]
(1) Citizens of the USSR have the right to
health protection.
(2) This right is ensured by free, qualified
medical care provided by state health institutions; by extension of the network
of therapeutic and health-building institutions; by the development and
improvement of safety and hygiene in industry; by carrying out broad
prophylactic measures; by measures to improve the environment; by special care
for the health of the rising generation, including prohibition of child labor,
excluding the work done by children as part of the school curriculum; and by
developing research to prevent and reduce the incidence of disease and ensure
citizens a long and active life.
Article
43 [Welfare]
(1) Citizens of the USSR have the right to
maintenance in old age, in sickness, and in the event of complete or partial
disability or loss of the breadwinner.
(2) The right is guaranteed by social insurance
of workers and other employees and collective farmers; by allowances for
temporary disability; by the provision by the state or by collective farms of
retirement pensions, disability pensions, and pensions for loss of the
breadwinner; by providing employment for the partially disabled; by care for
the elderly and the disabled; and by other forms of social security.
Article
44 [Housing]
(1) Citizens of the USSR have the rights to
housing.
(2) This right is ensured by the development and
upkeep of state and socially-owned housing; by assistance for cooperative and
individual house building; by fair distribution, under public control, of the
housing that becomes available through fulfillment of the program of building
well-appointed dwellings, and by low rents and low charges for utility
services. Citizens of the USSR shall take good care of the housing allocated to
them.
Article
45 [Education]
(1) Citizens of the USSR have the right to
education.
(2) This right is ensured by free provision of
all forms of education, by the institution of universal, compulsory secondary
education, and broad development of vocational, specialized secondary, and
higher education, in which instruction is oriented toward practical activity
and production; by the development of extramural, correspondence and evening
courses, by the provision of state scholarships and grants and privileges for
students; by the free issue of school textbooks; by the opportunity to attend a
school where teaching is in the native language; and by the provision of
facilities for self-education.
Article
46 [Culture]
(1) Citizens of the USSR have the right to enjoy
cultural benefits.
(2) This rights is ensured by broad access to
the cultural treasures of their own land and of the world that are preserved in
state and other public collections; by the development and fair distribution of
cultural and educational institutions throughout the country; by developing
television and radio broadcasting and the publishing of books, newspapers and
periodicals, and by extending the free library service; and by expanding
cultural exchanges with other countries.
Article
47 [Research]
(1) Citizens of the USSR, in accordance with the
aims of building communism, are guaranteed freedom of scientific, technical,
and artistic work. This freedom is ensured by broadening scientific research,
encouraging invention and innovation, and developing literature and the arts.
The state provides the necessary material conditions for this and support for
voluntary societies and unions of workers in the arts, organizes introduction
of inventions and innovations in production and other spheres of activity.
(2) The rights of authors, inventors and innovators
are protected by the state.
Article
48 [Public Affairs]
(1) Citizens of the USSR have the right to take
part in the management and administration of state and public affairs and in
the discussion and adoption of laws and measures of All-Union and local
significance.
(2) This right is ensured by the opportunity to
vote and to be elected to Soviets of People's Deputies and other elective state
bodies, to take part in nationwide discussions and referendums, in people's
control, in the work of state bodies, public organizations, and local community
groups, and in meetings at places of work or residence.
Article
49 [Proposals]
(1) Every citizen of the USSR has the right to
submit proposals to state bodies and public organizations for improving their
activity, and to criticize shortcomings in their work.
(2) Officials are obliged, within established
time-limits, to examine citizens' proposals and requests, to reply to them, and
to take appropriate action.
(3) Persecution for criticism is prohibited. Persons
guilty of such persecution shall be called to account.
Article
50 [Expression]
(1) In accordance with the interests of the
people and in order to strengthen and develop the socialist system, citizens of
the USSR are guaranteed freedom of speech, of the press, and of assembly,
meetings, street processions and demonstrations.
(2) Exercise of these political freedoms is
ensured by putting public buildings, streets, and squares at the disposal of
the working people and their organizations, by broad dissemination of
information, and by the opportunity to use the press, television, and radio.
Article
51 [Association]
(1) In accordance with the aims of building
communism, citizens of the USSR have the right to associate in public
organizations that promote their political activity and initiative and
satisfaction of their various interests.
(2) Public organizations are guaranteed
conditions for successfully performing the functions defined in their rules.
Article
52 [Religion]
(1) Citizens of the USSR are guaranteed freedom
of conscience, that is, the right to profess or not to profess any religion,
and to conduct religious worship or atheistic propaganda. Incitement of
hostility or hatred on religious grounds is prohibited.
(2) In the USSR, the church is separated from
the state, and the school from the church.
Article
53 [Family, Marriage]
(1) The family enjoys the protection of the
state.
(2) Marriage is based on the free consent of the
woman and the man; the spouses are completely equal in their family relations.
(3) The state helps the family by providing and
developing a broad system of child-care institutions, by organizing and
improving communal services and public catering, by paying grants on the birth
of a child, by providing children's allowances and benefits for large families,
and other forms of family allowances and assistance.
Article
54 [Personal Freedom]
Citizens of the USSR are guaranteed
inviolability of the person. No one may be arrested except by a court decision
or on the warrant of a procurator.
Article
55 [Home]
Citizens of the USSR are guaranteed
inviolability of the home. No one may, without lawful grounds, enter a home
against the will of those residing in it.
Article
56 [Privacy]
The privacy of citizens, and of their
correspondence, telephone conversations, and telegraphic communications is
protected by law.
Article
57 [Legal Remedies]
(1) Respect for the individual and protection of
the rights and freedoms of citizens are the duty of all state bodies, public
organizations, and officials.
(2) Citizens of the USSR have the right to
protection by the courts against encroachments on their honor and reputation,
life and health, and personal freedom and property.
Article
58 [Complaint]
(1) Citizens of the USSR have the right to lodge
a complaint against the actions of officials, state bodies and public bodies.
Complaints shall be examined according to the procedure and within the
time-limit established by law.
(2) Actions by officials that contravene the law
or exceed their powers, and infringe the rights of citizens, may be appealed
against in a court in the manner prescribed by law.
(3) Citizens of the USSR have the right to
compensation for damage resulting from unlawful actions by state organizations
and public organizations, or by officials in the performance of their duties.
Article
59 [General]
(1) Citizens' exercise of their rights and
freedoms is inseparable from the performance of their duties and obligations.
(2) Citizens of the USSR are obliged to observe
the Constitution of the USSR and Soviet laws, comply with the standards of
socialist conduct, and uphold the honor and dignity of Soviet citizenship.
Article
60 [Duty to Work]
It is the duty of, and matter of honor for,
every able-bodied citizen of the USSR to work conscientiously in his chosen,
socially useful occupation, and strictly to observe labor discipline. Evasion
of socially useful work is incompatible with the principles of socialist
society.
Article
61 [Socialist Property]
(1) Citizens of the USSR are obliged to preserve
and protect socialist property. It is the duty of a citizen of the USSR to
combat misappropriation and squandering of state and socially-owned property
and to make thrifty use of the people's wealth.
(2) Persons encroaching in any way on socialist
property shall be punished according to the law.
Article
62 [Interest of State]
(1) Citizens of the USSR are obliged to
safeguard the interests of the Soviet state, and to enhance its power and
prestige.
(2) Defence of the
Socialist Motherland is the sacred duty of every citizen of the USSR.
(3) Betrayal of the Motherland is the gravest of
crimes against the people.
Article
63 [Military Service]
Military service in the ranks of the Armed
Forces of the USSR is an honorable duty of Soviet citizens.
Article
64 [Peacekeeping Duty]
It is the duty of every citizen of the USSR to
respect the national dignity of other citizens, and to strengthen friendship of
the nations and nationalities of the multinational Soviet state.
Article
65 [Social Behavior]
A citizen of the USSR is obliged to respect the
rights and lawful interests of other persons, to be uncompromising toward
anti-social behavior, and to help maintain public order.
Article
66 [Childcare]
Citizens of the USSR are obliged to concern
themselves with the upbringing of children, to train them for socially useful
work, and to raise them as worthy members of socialist society. Children are
obliged to care for their parents and help them.
Article
67 [Protection of Nature]
Citizens of the USSR are obliged to protect
nature and conserve its riches.
Article
68 [Preservation of Culture]
Concern for the preservation of historical
monuments and other cultural values is a duty and obligation of citizens of the
USSR.
Article
69 [Internationalist Duties]
It is the internationalist duty of citizens of
the USSR to promote friendship and cooperation with peoples of other lands and
help maintain and strengthen world peace.
Part
III State Structure
Chapter 8
Federal State
Article
70
(1) The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is
an integral, federal, multinational state formed on the principle of socialist
federalism as a result of the free self-determination of nations and the
voluntary association of equal Soviet Socialist Republics.
(2) The USSR embodies the state unity of the
Soviet people and draws all its nations and nationalities together for the
purpose of jointly building communism.
Article
71
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics unites:
- the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist
Republic, - the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, - the Byelorussian Soviet
Socialist Republic, - the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic, - the Kazakh Soviet
Socialist Republic, - the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic, - the Azerbeijan Soviet Socialist Republic, - the Lithuanian
Soviet Socialist Republic, - the Moldovian Soviet
Socialist Republic, - the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic, - the Kirghiz
Soviet Socialist Republic, - the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic, - the
Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic, - the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic,
and
- the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic.
Article
72
Each Union Republic shall retain the right
freely to secede from the USSR.
Article
73
The jurisdiction of the Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics, as represented by its highest bodies of state authority
and administration, shall cover:
1. the admission of new republics to the USSR;
endorsement of the formation of new autonomous republics and autonomous regions
within Union Republics;
2. determination of the state boundaries of the
USSR and approval of changes in the boundaries between Union Republics;
3. establishment of the general principles for
the organization and functioning of republican and local bodies of state
authority and administration;
4. the ensurance of
uniformity of legislative norms throughout the USSR and establishment of the
fundamentals of the legislation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and
Union Republics;
5. pursuance of a uniform social and economic
policy; direction of the country's economy; determination of the main lines of
scientific and technological progress and the general measures for rational
exploitation and conservation of natural resources; the drafting and approval
of state plans for the economic and social development of the USSR, and
endorsement of reports on their fulfillment;
6. the drafting and approval of the consolidated
Budget of the USSR, and endorsement of the report on its execution; management
of a single monetary and credit system; determination of the taxes and revenues
forming the Budget of the USSR; and the formulation of prices and wages policy;
7. direction of the sectors of the economy, and
of enterprises and amalgamations under Union jurisdiction, and general direction
of industries under Union-Republican jurisdiction;
8. issues of war and peace, defence
of the sovereignty of the USSR and safeguarding of its frontiers and territory,
and organization of defence; direction of the Armed
Forces of the USSR;
9. state security;
10. representation of the USSR in international
relations; the USSR's relations with other states and with international
organizations; establishment of the general procedure for, and co-ordination
of, the relations of Union Republics with other states and with international
organizations; foreign trade and other forms of external economic activity on
the basis of state monopoly;
11. control over observance of the Constitution
of the USSR, and ensurance of conformity of the
Constitutions of Union Republics to the Constitution of the USSR;
12. and settlement of other matters of All-Union
importance.
Article
74
The laws of the USSR shall have the same force
in all Union Republics. In the event of a discrepancy between a Union Republic
law and an All-Union law, the law of the USSR shall prevail.
Article
75
(1) The territory of the Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics is a single entity and comprises the territories of the
Union Republics.
(2) The sovereignty of the USSR extends
throughout its territory.
Chapter 9
Union Republics
Article
76
(1) A Union Republic is a sovereign Soviet
socialist state that has united with other Soviet Republics in the Union of
Soviet Socialist Republics.
(2) Outside the spheres listed in Article 73 of the Constitution of the USSR, a Union
Republic exercises independent authority on its territory.
(3) A Union Republic shall have its own
Constitution conforming to the Constitution of the USSR with the specific
features of the Republic being taken into account.
Article
77
(1) Union Republics take part in decision-making
in the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the
USSR, the Government of the USSR, and other bodies of the Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics.
(2) A Union Republic shall ensure comprehensive
economic and social development on its territory, facilitate exercise of the
powers of the USSR on its territory, and implement the decisions of the highest
bodies of state authority and administration of the USSR.
(3) In matters that come within its
jurisdiction, a Union Republic shall co-ordinate and control the activity of
enterprises, institutions, and organizations subordinate to the Union.
Article
78
The territory of a Union Republic may not be
altered without its consent. The boundaries between Union Republics may be
altered by mutual agreement of the Republics concerned, subject to ratification
by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
Article
79
A Union Republic shall determine its division
into territories, regions, areas, and districts, and decide other matters
relating to its administrative and territorial structure.
Article
80
A Union Republic has the right to enter into
relations with other states, conclude treaties with them, exchange diplomatic
and consular representatives, and take part in the work of international
organizations.
Article
81
The sovereign rights of Union Republics shall be
safeguarded by the USSR.
Chapter
10 Autonomous Republics
Article
82
(1) An Autonomous Republic is a constituent part
of a Union Republic.
(2) In spheres not within the jurisdiction of
the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Union Republic, an Autonomous
Republic shall deal independently with matters within its jurisdiction.
(3) An autonomous Republic shall have its own
Constitution conforming to the Constitutions of the USSR and the Union Republic
with the specific features of the Autonomous Republic being taken into account.
Article
83
(1) An Autonomous Republic takes part in
decision-making through the highest bodies of state authority and
administration of the USSR and of the Union Republic respectively, in matters
that come within the jurisdiction of the USSR and the Union Republic.
(2) An Autonomous Republic shall ensure
comprehensive economic and social development on its territory, facilitate
exercise of the powers of the USSR and the Union Republic on its territory, and
implement decisions of the highest bodies of state authority and administration
of the USSR and the Union Republic.
(3) In matters within its jurisdiction, an
Autonomous Republic shall co-ordinate and control the activity of enterprises,
institutions, and organizations subordinate to the Union or the Union Republic.
Article
84
The territory of an Autonomous Republic may not
be altered without its consent.
Article
85
(1) The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist
Republic includes the Bashkir, Buryat,
Daghestan, Kabardin-Balkar,
Kalmyk, Karelian, Komi, Mari, Mordovian, North Ossetian, Tatar, Tuva, Udmurt, Chechen-Ingush, Chuvash,
and Yakut Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republics.
(2) The Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic includes
the Kara-Kalpak Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.
(3) The Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic
includes the Abkhasian and Adzhar
Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republics.
(4) The Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic
include the Nakhichevan Autonomous Soviet Socialist
Republic.
Chapter
11 Autonomous Regions and Areas
Article
86
An Autonomous Region is a constituent part of a
Union Republic or Territory. The Law on an Autonomous Region, upon submission
by the Soviet of People's Deputies of the Autonomous Region concerned, shall be
adopted by the Supreme Soviet of the Union Republic.
Article
87
(1) The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist
Republic includes the Adygei, Gorno-Altai,
Jewish, Karachai-Circassian, and Khakass
Autonomous Regions.
(2) The Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic
includes the South Ossetian Autonomous Region.
(3) The Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic
include the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region.
(4) The Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic includes
the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.
Article
88
An autonomous Area is a constituent part of a
Territory or Region. The Law on an Autonomous Area shall be adopted by the
Supreme Soviet of the Union Republic concerned.
Part
IV Deputies, Election
Chapter
12 System of Deputies
Article
89
The Soviets of People's Deputies, i.e. the
Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Supreme Soviets of Union Republics, the Supreme
Soviets of Autonomous Republics, the Soviets of People's Deputies of
Territories and Regions, the Soviets of People's Deputies of Autonomous Regions
and Autonomous Areas, and the Soviets of People's Deputies of districts,
cities, city districts, settlements and villages shall constitute a single
system of bodies of state authority.
Article
90
(1) The term of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR,
the Supreme Soviets of Union Republics, and the Supreme Soviets of Autonomous
Republics shall be five years.
(2) The term of local Soviets of People's Deputies
shall be two and a half years.
(3) Elections to Soviets of People's Deputies
shall be called not later than two months before the expiry of the term of the
Soviet concerned.
Article
91
(1) The most important matters within the
jurisdiction of the respective Soviets of People's Deputies shall be considered
and settled at their sessions.
(2) Soviets of People's Deputies shall elect
standing commissions and form executive-administrative, and other bodies
accountable to them.
Article
92
(1) Soviets of People's Deputies shall form
people's control bodies combining state control with control by the working
people at enterprises, collective farms, institutions, and organizations.
(2) People's control bodies shall check on the
fulfillment of state plans and assignments, combat breaches of state
discipline, localist tendencies, narrow departmental
attitudes, mismanagement, extravagance and waste, red tape and bureaucracy, and
help improve the working of the state machinery.
Article
93
Soviets of People's Deputies shall direct all
sectors of state economic, and social and cultural development, either directly
or through bodies instituted by them, take decisions and ensure their
execution, and verify their implementation.
Article
94
Soviets of People's Deputies shall function
publicly on the basis of collective, free, constructive discussion and
decision-making, of systematic reporting back to them and the people by their
executive-administrative and other bodies, and of involving citizens on a broad
scale in their work.
Chapter
13 Electoral System
Article
95
Deputies to all Soviets shall be elected on the
basis of universal, equal, and direct suffrage by secret ballot.
Article
96
(1) Elections shall be universal: all citizens
of the USSR who have reached the age of 18 shall have the right to vote and to
be elected, with the exception of persons who have been certified insane.
(2) To be eligible for election to the Supreme
Soviet of the USSR a citizen of the USSR must have reached the age of 21.
Article
97
Elections shall be equal: each citizen shall
have one vote; all voters shall exercise the franchise on an equal footing.
Article
98
Elections shall be direct: deputies to all
Soviets of People's Deputies shall be elected by direct vote.
Article
99
Voting at elections shall be secret: control
over voters' exercise of the franchise is inadmissible.
Article
100
(1) The following shall have the right to
nominate candidates: branches and organizations of the Communist Party of the
Soviet Union, trade unions, and the All-Union Leninist Young Communist League;
cooperatives and other public organizations; work collectives, and meetings of
servicemen in their military units.
(2) Citizens of the USSR and public
organizations are guaranteed the right to free and all-round discussion of the
political and personal qualities and competence of candidates, and the right to
campaign for them at meetings, in the press, and on television and radio.
(3) The expenses involved in holding elections
to Soviets of People's Deputies shall be met by the state.
Article
101
(1) Deputies to Soviets of People's Deputies
shall be elected by constituencies.
(2) A citizen of the USSR may not, as a rule, be
elected to more than two Soviets of People's Deputies.
(3) Elections to the Soviets shall be conducted
by electoral commissions consisting of representatives, and of meetings of
servicemen in military units.
(4) The procedure for holding elections to
Soviets of People's Deputies shall be defined by the laws of the USSR, and of
Union and Autonomous Republics.
Article
102
(1) Electors give mandates to their Deputies.
(2) The appropriate Soviets of People's Deputies
shall examine electors' mandates, take them into account in drafting economic
and social development plans and in drawing up the budget, organize
implementation of the mandates, and inform citizens about it.
Chapter
14 Deputies
Article
103
(1) Deputies are the plenipotentiary
representatives of the people in the Soviets of People's Deputies.
(2) In the Soviets, Deputies deal with matters
relating to state, economic, and social and cultural development, organize
implementation of the decisions of the Soviets, and exercise control over the
work of state bodies, enterprises, institutions and organizations.
(3) Deputies shall be guided in their activities
by the interests of the state, and shall take the needs of their constituents
into account and work to implement their electors' mandates.
Article
104
(1) Deputies shall exercise their powers without
discontinuing their regular employment or duties.
(2) During sessions of the Soviet, and so as to
exercise their deputy's powers in other cases stipulated by law, Deputies shall
be released from their regular employment or duties, with retention of their
average earnings at their permanent place of work.
Article
105
(1) A Deputy has the right to address inquiries
to the appropriate state bodies and officials, who are obliged to reply to them
at a session of the Soviet.
(2) Deputies have the right to approach any
state or public body, enterprise, institution, or organization on matters
arising from their work as Deputies and to take part in considering the
questions raised by them. The heads of the state or public bodies, enterprises,
institutions or organizations concerned are obliged to receive Deputies without
delay and to consider their proposals within the time-limit established by law.
Article
106
(1) Deputies shall be ensured conditions for the
unhampered and effective exercise of their rights and duties.
(2) The immunity of Deputies, and other
guarantees of their activity as Deputies, are defined in the Law on the Status
of Deputies and other legislative acts of the USSR and of Union and Autonomous
Republics.
Article
107
(1) Deputies shall report on their work and on
that of the Soviet to their constituents, and to the work collectives and
public organizations that nominated them.
(2) Deputies who have not justified the
confidence of their constituents may be recalled at any time by decision of a
majority of the electors in accordance with the procedure established by law.
Part
V State Authority and Administration
Chapter
15 Supreme Soviet
Article
108 [Supreme Soviet]
(1) The highest body of state authority of the
USSR shall be the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
(2) The Supreme Soviet of the USSR is empowered
to deal with all matters within the jurisdiction of the Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics, as defined by this Constitution.
(3) The adoption and amendment of the
Constitution of the USSR; admission of new Republics to the USSR; endorsement
of the formation of new Autonomous Republics and Autonomous Regions; approval
of the state plans for economic an social development, of the Budget of the
USSR, and of reports on their execution; and the institution of bodies of the
USSR accountable to it, are the exclusive prerogative of the Supreme Soviet of
the USSR.
(4) Laws of the USSR shall be enacted by the
Supreme Soviet of the USSR or by a nationwide vote (referendum) held by
decision of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
Article
109 [Two Chambers]
(1) The Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall consist
of two chambers: the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities.
(2) The two chambers of the Supreme Soviet of
the USSR shall have equal rights.
Article
110 [Elections]
(1) The Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of
Nationalities shall have equal numbers of deputies.
(2) The Soviet of the Union shall be elected by
constituencies with equal populations.
(3) The Soviet of Nationalities shall be elected
on the basis of the following representation: 32 deputies from each Union
Republic, 11 deputies from each Autonomous Republic, five deputies from each
Autonomous Region, and one deputy from each Autonomous Area.
(4) The Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of
Nationalities, upon submission by the credentials commissions elected by them,
shall decide on the validity of Deputies' credentials, and, in cases in which
the election law has been violated, shall declare the election of the Deputies
concerned null and void.
Article
111 [Chairmen]
(1) Each chamber of the Supreme Soviet of the
USSR shall elect a Chairman and four Vice-Chairmen.
(2) The Chairmen of the Soviet of the Union and
of the Soviet of Nationalities shall preside over the sittings of the
respective chambers and conduct their affairs.
(3) Joint sittings of the chambers of the
Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall be presided over alternately by the Chairman
of the Soviet of the Union and the Chairman of the Soviet of Nationalities.
Article
112 [Sessions]
(1) Sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR
shall be convened twice a year.
(2) Special sessions shall be convened by the
Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR at its discretion or on the
proposal of a Union Republic, or of not less than one-third of the Deputies of
one of the chambers.
(3) A session of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR
shall consist of separate and joint sittings of the chambers, and of meetings
of the standing commissions of the chambers or commissions of the Supreme
Soviet of the USSR held between the sittings of the chambers. A session may be
opened and closed at either separate or joint sittings of the chambers.
Article
113 [Initiative]
The right to initiate legislation in the Supreme
Soviet of the USSR is vested in the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of
Nationalities, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Council of
Ministers of the USSR, Union Republics through their highest bodies of state
authority, 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 Procurator-General of the USSR.
(4) The right to initiate legislation is also
vested in public organizations through their All-Union bodies.
Article
114 [Debate]
(1) Bills and other matters submitted to the
Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall be debated by its chambers at separate or
joint sittings. Where necessary, a bill or other matter may be referred to one
or more commissions for preliminary or additional consideration.
(2) A law of the USSR shall be deemed adopted
when it has been passed in each chamber of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR by a
majority of the total number of its Deputies. Decisions and other acts of the Supreme
Soviet of the USSR are adopted by a majority of the total number of Deputies of
the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
(3) Bills and other very important matters of
state may be submitted for nationwide discussion by a decision of the Supreme
Soviet of the USSR or its Presidium taken on their own initiative or on the
proposal of a Union Republic.
Article
115 [Concilitation Commission]
In the event of a disagreement between the
Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities, the matter at issue shall
be referred for settlement to a conciliation commission formed by the chambers
on a parity basis, after which it shall e considered for a second time by the
Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities at a joint sitting. If
agreement is again not reached, the matter shall be postponed for debate at the
next session of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR or submitted by the Supreme
Soviet to a nationwide vote (referendum)
Article
116 [Publication]
Laws of the USSR and decisions and other acts of
the Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall be published in the languages of the Union
Republics over the signatures of the Chairman and Secretary of the Presidium of
the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
Article
117 [Inquiries]
Deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR has the
right to address inquiries to the Council of Ministers of the USSR, and to
Ministers and the 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 inquiry
is addressed, is obliged to give a verbal or written reply within three days at
the given session of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
Article
118 [Immunity]
A Deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR may
not be prosecuted, or arrested, or incur a court-imposed penalty, without the
sanction of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR or, between its sessions, of the
Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
Article
119
The Supreme Soviet of the USSR, at a joint
sitting of its chambers, shall elect a Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the
USSR, which shall be a standing body of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR,
accountable to it for all its work and exercising the functions of the highest
body of state authority of the USSR between sessions of the Supreme Soviet,
within the limits prescribed by the Constitution.
Article
120
The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR
shall be elected from among the Deputies and shall consist of a Chairman, First
Vice-Chairman, 15 Vice-Chairmen (one from each Union Republic), a Secretary,
and 21 members.
Article
121
The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR
shall:
1. name the date of elections to the Supreme
Soviet of the USSR;
2. convene sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the
USSR;
3. co-ordinate the work of the standing
commissions of the chambers of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR;
4. ensure observance of the Constitution of the
USSR and conformity of the Constitutions and laws of Union Republics to the
Constitution and laws of the USSR;
5. interpret the laws of the USSR;
6. ratify and denounce international treaties of
the USSR;
7. revoke decisions and ordinances of the
Council of Ministers of the USSR and of the Councils of Ministers of Union
Republics should they fail to conform to the law;
8. institute military and diplomatic ranks and
other special titles; and confer the highest military and diplomatic ranks and
other special titles;
9. institute orders and medals of the USSR, and
honorific titles of the USSR; award orders and medals of the USSR; and confer
honorific titles of the USSR.
10. grant citizenship of the USSR, and rule on
matters of the renunciation or deprivation of citizenship of the USSR and of
granting asylum;
11. issue All-Union acts of amnesty and exercise
the right of pardon;
12. appoint and recall diplomatic representatives
of the USSR to other countries and to international organizations;
13. receive the letters of credence and recall
of the diplomatic representatives of foreign states accredited to it;
14. form the Council of Defence
of the USSR and confirm its composition; appoint and dismiss the high command
of the Armed Forces of the USSR;
15. proclaim martial law in particular
localities or throughout the country in the interests of defence
of the USSR;
16. order general or partial mobilization;
17. between sessions of the Supreme Soviet of
the USSR, proclaim a state of war in the event of an armed attack on the USSR,
or when it is necessary to meet international treaty obligations relating to
mutual defence against aggression;
18. and exercise other powers vested in it by
the Constitution and laws of the USSR.
Article
122
The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR,
between sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and subject to submission
for its confirmation at the next session, shall:
1. amend existing legislative acts of the USSR
when necessary;
2. approve changes in the boundaries between
Union Republics;
3. form and abolish Ministries and State
Committees of the USSR on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers of the
USSR;
4. relieve individual members of the Council of
Ministers of the USSR of their responsibilities and appoint persons to the
Council of Ministers on the recommendation of the Chairman of the Council of
Ministers of the USSR.
Article
123
The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR
promulgates decrees and adopts decisions.
Article
124
(1) On expiry of the term of the Supreme Soviet
of the USSR, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall retain its
powers until the newly elected Supreme Soviet of the USSR has elected a new
Presidium.
(2) The newly elected Supreme Soviet of the USSR
shall be convened by the outgoing Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR
within two months of the elections.
Article
125
(1) The Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of
Nationalities shall elect standing commissions from among the Deputies to make
a preliminary review of matters coming within the jurisdiction of the Supreme
Soviet of the USSR, to promote execution of the laws of the USSR and other acts
of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and its Presidium, and to check on the work
of state bodies and organizations. The chambers of the Supreme Soviet of the
USSR may also set up joint commissions on a parity basis.
(2) When it deems necessary, the Supreme Soviet
of the USSR sets up commissions of inquiry and audit, and commissions on any
other matter.
(3) All state and public bodies, organizations
and officials are obliged to meet the requests of the commissions of the
Supreme Soviet of the USSR and of its chambers, and submit the requisite
materials and documents to them.
(4) The commissions' recommendations shall be
subject to consideration by state and public bodies, institutions and
organizations. The commissions shall be informed, within the prescribed
time-limit, of the results of such consideration or of the action taken.
Article
126
(1) The Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall
supervise the work of all state bodies accountable to it.
(2) The Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall form a
Committee of People's Control of the USSR to head the system of people's
control.
(3) The organization and procedure of people's
control bodies are defined by the Law on People's Control in the USSR.
Article
127
The procedure of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR
and of its bodies shall be defined in the Rules and Regulations of the Supreme
Soviet of the USSR and other laws of the USSR enacted on the basis of the
Constitution of the USSR.
Chapter
16 Council of Ministers
Article
128
The Council of Ministers of the USSR, i.e. the
Government of the USSR, is the highest executive and administrative body of
state authority of the USSR.
Article
129
(1) The Council of Ministers of the USSR shall
be formed by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR at a joint sitting of the Soviet of
the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities, and shall consist of the Chairman of
the Council of Ministers of the USSR, First Vice Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen,
Ministers of the USSR, and Chairmen of State Committees of the USSR.
(2) The Chairmen of the Councils of Ministers of
Union Republics shall be ex officio
members of the Council of Ministers of the USSR.
(3) The Supreme Soviet of the USSR, on the
recommendation of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, may
include in the Government of the USSR the heads of other bodies and
organizations of the USSR.
(4) The Council of Ministers of the USSR shall
tender its resignation to a newly elected Supreme Soviet of the USSR at its
first session.
Article
130
(1) The Council of Minister of the USSR shall be
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.
(2) The Council of Ministers of the USSR shall
report regularly on its work of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
Article
131
(1) The Council of Ministers of the USSR is
empowered to deal with all matters of state administration within the
jurisdiction of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics insofar as, under the
Constitution, they on not come within the competence of the Supreme Soviet of
the USSR or the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
(2) Within its powers the Council of Ministers
of the USSR shall:
1. ensure direction of economic, social and
cultural development; draft and implement measures to promote the well-being
and cultural development of the people, to develop science and engineering, to
ensure rational exploitation and conservation of natural resources, to
consolidate the monetary and credit system, to pursue a uniform prices, wages,
and social security policy, and to organize state insurance and a uniform
system of accounting and statistics; and organize the management of industrial,
constructional, and agricultural enterprises and amalgamations, transport and
communications undertakings, banks, and other organizations and institutions of
All-Union subordination;
2. draft current and long-term state plans for
the economic and social development of the USSR and the Budget of the USSR, and
submit them to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR; take measures to execute the
state plans and Budget; and report to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on the
implementation of the plans and Budget;
3. implement measures to defend the interests of
the state, protect socialist property and maintain public order, and guarantee
and protect citizens' rights and freedoms;
4. take measures to ensure state security;
5. exercise general direction of the development
of the Armed Forces of the USSR, and determine the annual contingent of
citizens to be called up for active military service;
6. provide general direction in regard to
relations with other states, foreign trade, and economic, scientific,
technical, and cultural cooperation of the USSR with other countries; take
measures to ensure fulfillment of the USSR's international treaties; and ratify
and denounce intergovernmental international agreements;
7. and when necessary, form committees, central
boards and other departments under the Council of Ministers of the USSR to deal
with matters of economic, social and cultural development, and defence.
Article
132
A Presidium of the Council of Ministers of the
USSR, consisting of the Chairman, the First Vice-Chairmen, and Vice-Chairmen of
the Council of Ministers of the USSR, shall function as a standing body of the
Council of Ministers of the USSR to deal with questions relating to guidance of
the economy, and with other matters of state administration.
Article
133
The Council of Ministers of the USSR, on the
basis of, and in pursuance of, the laws of the USSR and other decision of the
Supreme Soviet of the USSR and its Presidium, shall issue decisions and
ordinances and verify their execution. The decisions and ordinances of the
Council of Ministers of the USSR shall be binding throughout the USSR.
Article
134
The Council of Ministers of the USSR has the
right, in matters within the jurisdiction of the Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics, to suspend execution of decisions and ordinances of the Councils of
Minister of Union Republics, and to rescind acts of ministries and state
committees of the USSR, and of the other bodies subordinate to it.
Article
135
(1) The Council of Ministers of the USSR shall
co-ordinate and direct the work of All-Union and Union-Republican ministries,
state committees of the USSR, and other bodies subordinate to it.
(2) All-Union ministries and state committees of
the USSR shall direct the work of the branches of administration entrusted to
them, or exercise inter-branch administration, throughout the territory of the
USSR directly or through bodies set up by them.
(3) Union-Republican ministries and state
committees of the USSR direct the work of the branches of administration
entrusted to them, or exercise inter-branch administration, as a rule, through
the corresponding ministries and state committees, and other bodies of Union
Republics, and directly administer individual enterprises and amalgamations of
Union subordination. The procedure for transferring enterprises and
amalgamations from Republic or local subordination to Union subordination shall
be defined by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
(4) Ministries and state committees of the USSR
shall be responsible for the condition and development of the spheres of
administration entrusted to them; within their competence, they issue orders
and other acts on the basis of, and in execution of, the laws of the USSR and
other decisions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and its Presidium, and of
decisions and ordinances of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, and organize
and verify their implementation.
Article
136
The competence of the Council of Ministers of
the USSR and its Presidium, the procedure for their work, relationships between
the Council of Ministers and other state bodies, and the list of All-Union and
Union-Republican ministries and state committees of the USSR are defined, on
the basis of the Constitution, in the Law on the Council of Minister of the
USSR.
Part
VI Structure of Administration
Chapter
17 Higher Bodies of State Authority
Article
137
(1) The highest body of state authority of a
Union Republic shall be the Supreme Soviet of that Republic.
(2) The Supreme Soviet of a Union Republic is
empowered to deal with all matters within the jurisdiction of the Republic
under the Constitutions of the USSR and the Republic.
(3) Adoption and amendment of the Constitution
of a Union Republic; endorsement of state plans for economic and social
development, of the Republic's Budget, and of reports on their fulfillment; and
the formation of bodies accountable to the Supreme Soviet of the Union Republic
are the exclusive prerogative of that Supreme Soviet.
(4) Laws of a Union Republic shall be enacted by
the Supreme Soviet of the Union Republic or by a popular vote (referendum) held
by decision of the Republic's Supreme Soviet.
Article
138
The Supreme Soviet of a Union Republic shall
elect a Presidium, which is a standing body of that Supreme Soviet and
accountable to it for all its work. The composition and powers of the Presidium
of the Supreme Soviet of a Union Republic shall be defined in the Constitution
of the Union Republic.
Article
139
(1) The Supreme Soviet of a Union Republic shall
form a Council of Ministers of the Union Republic, i.e. the Government of that
Republic, which shall be the highest executive and administrative body of state
authority in the Republic.
(2) The Council of Ministers of a Union Republic
shall be responsible and accountable to the Supreme Soviet of that Republic or,
between sessions of the Supreme Soviet, to its Presidium.
Article
140
The Council of Ministers of a Union Republic
issues decisions and ordinances on the basis of, and in pursuance of, the
legislative acts of the USSR and of the Union Republic, and of decisions and
ordinances of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, and shall organize and
verify their execution.
Article
141
The Council of Ministers of a Union Republic has
the right to suspend the execution of decisions and ordinances of the Councils
of Ministers of Autonomous Republics, to rescind the decisions and orders of
the Executive Committees of Soviets of People's Deputies of Territories,
Regions, and cities (i.e. cities under Republic jurisdiction) and of Autonomous
Regions, and in Union Republics not divided into regions, of the Executive
Committees of district and corresponding city Soviets of People's Deputies.
Article
142
(1) The Council of Ministers of a Union Republic
shall co-ordinate and direct the work of the Union-Republican and Republican
ministries and of state committees of the Union Republic, and other bodies
under its jurisdiction.
(2) The Union-Republican ministries and state
committees of a Union Republic shall direct the branches of administration
entrusted to them, or exercise inter-branch control and shall be subordinate to
both the Council of Ministers of the Union Republic and the corresponding
Union-Republican ministry or state committee of the USSR.
(3) Republican ministries and state committees
shall direct the branches of administration entrusted to them, or exercise inter-branch
control, and shall be subordinate to the Council of Ministers of the Union
Republic.
Chapter
18 Higher Bodies of Autonomous Republics
Article
143
(1) The highest body of state authority of an
Autonomous Republic shall be the Supreme Soviet of that Republic.
(2) Adoption and amendment of the Constitution
of an Autonomous Republic; endorsement of state plans for economic and social
development, and of the Republic's Budget; and the formation of bodies
accountable to the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic are the exclusive
prerogative of that Supreme Soviet.
(3) Laws of an Autonomous Republic shall be
enacted by the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic.
Article
144
The Supreme Soviet of an Autonomous Republic
shall elect a Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic and
shall form a Council of Ministers of the Autonomous Republic, i.e. the
Government of that Republic.
Chapter
19 Local Bodies
Article
145
The bodies of state authority in Territories,
Regions, Autonomous Areas, districts, cities, city districts, settlements, and
rural communities shall be the corresponding Soviets of People's Deputies.
Article
146
(1) Local Soviets of People's Deputies shall
deal with all matters of local significance in accordance with the interest of
the whole state and of the citizens residing in the area under their
jurisdiction, implement decisions of higher bodies of state authority, guide
the work of lower Soviets of People's Deputies, take part in the discussion of
matters of Republican and All-Union significance, and submit their proposals
concerning them.
(2) Local Soviets of People's Deputies shall
direct state, economic, social and cultural development within their territory;
endorse plans for economic and social development an the local budget; exercise
general guidance over state bodies, enterprises, institutions and organizations
subordinate to them; ensure observance of the laws, maintenance of law and
order; and protection of citizens' rights; and help strengthen the country's defence capacity.
Article
147
Within their powers, local Soviets of People's
Deputies shall ensure the comprehensive, all-round economic and social
development of their area; exercise control over the observance of legislation
by enterprises, institutions and organizations subordinate to higher
authorities and located in their area; and co-ordinate and supervise their
activity as regards land use, nature conservation, building, employment of
manpower, production of consumer goods, and social, cultural, communal and
other services and amenities for the public.
Article
148. Local Soviets of People's Deputies shall decide matters within the powers
accorded them by the legislation of the USSR and of the appropriate Union
Republic and Autonomous Republic. Their decisions shall be binding on all
enterprises, institutions, and organizations located in their area and on
officials and citizens.
Article
149
(1) The executive-administrative bodies of local
Soviets shall be the Executive Committees elected by them from among their
deputies.
(2) Executive Committees shall report on their
work at least once a year to the Soviets that elected them and to meetings of
citizens at their places of work or residence.
Article
150
Executive Committees of local Soviets of
People's Deputies shall be directly accountable both to the Soviet that elected
them and to the higher executive and administrative body.
Part
VII Justice
Chapter
20 Courts and Arbitration
Article
151
(1) In the USSR justice is administered only by
the courts.
(2) In the USSR there are the following courts:
the Supreme Court of the USSR, the Supreme Courts of Union Republics, the
Supreme Courts of Autonomous Republics, Territorial, Regional, and city courts,
courts of Autonomous Regions, courts of Autonomous Areas, district (city)
people's courts, and military tribunals in the Armed Forces.
Article
152
(1) All courts in the USSR shall be formed on
the principle of the electiveness of judges and people's assessors.
(2) People's judges of district (city) people's
courts shall be elected for a term of five years by the citizens of the
district (city) on the basis of universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret
ballot. People's assessors of district (city) people's courts shall be elected
for a term of two and a half years at meetings of citizens at their places of
work or residence by a show of hands.
(3) Higher courts shall be elected for a term of
five years by the corresponding Soviet of People's Deputies.
(4) The judges of military tribunals shall be
elected for a term of five years by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the
USSR and by people's assessors for a term of two and a half years by meetings
of servicemen.
(5) Judges and people's assessors are
responsible and accountable to their electors or the bodies that elected them,
shall report to them, and may be recalled by them in the manner prescribed by
law.
Article
153
(1) The Supreme Court of the USSR is the highest
judicial body in the USSR and supervises the administration of justice by the
courts of the USSR and Union Republics within the limits established by law.
(2) The Supreme Court of the USSR shall be
elected by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and shall consist of a Chairman,
Vice-Chairmen, members, and people's assessors. The Chairmen of the Supreme
Courts of Union Republics are ex officio
members of the Supreme Court of the USSR.
(3) The organization and procedure of the
Supreme Court of the USSR are defined in the Law on the Supreme Court of the
USSR.
Article 154
The hearing of civil and criminal cases in all
courts is collegial; in courts of first instance cases are heard with the
participation of people's assessors. In the administration of justice people's
assessors have all the rights of a judge.
Article
155
Judges and people's assessors are independent
and subject only to the law.
Article
156
Justice is administered in the USSR on the
principle of the equality of citizens before the law and the court.
Article
157
Proceedings in all courts shall be open to the
public. Hearings in camera are only
allowed in cases provided for by law, with observance of all the rule of
judicial procedure.
Article
158
A defendant in a criminal action is guaranteed
the right to legal assistance.
Article
159
Judicial proceedings shall be conducted in the
language of the Union Republic, Autonomous Republic, Autonomous Region, or
Autonomous Area, or in the language spoken by the majority of the people in the
locality. Persons participating in court proceedings, who do not know the
language in which they are being conducted, shall be ensured the right to
become fully acquainted with the materials in the case; the services of an
interpreter during the proceedings; and the right to address the court in their
own language.
Article
160
No one may be adjudged guilty of a crime and
subjected to punishment as a criminal except by the sentence of a court and in
conformity with the law.
Article
161
(1) Colleges of advocates are available to give
legal assistance to citizens and organizations. In cases provided for by
legislation citizens shall be given legal assistance free of charge.
(2) The organization and procedure of the bar
are determined by legislation of the USSR and Union Republics.
Article
162
Representatives of public organizations and of
work collectives may take part in civil and criminal proceedings.
Article
163
(1) Economic disputes between enterprises,
institutions, and organizations are settled by state arbitration bodies within
the limits of their jurisdiction.
(2) The organizations and manner of functioning
of state arbitration bodies are defined in the Law on State Arbitration in the
USSR.
Chapter
21 Procurator
Article
164
Supreme power of supervision over the strict and
uniform observance of laws by all ministries, state committees and departments,
enterprises, institutions and organizations, executive-administrative bodies of
local Soviets of People's Deputies, collective farms, cooperatives and other
public organizations, officials and citizens is vested in the
Procurator-General of the USSR and procurators subordinate to him.
Article
165
The Procurator-General of the USSR is appointed
by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and is responsible and accountable to it and,
between sessions of the Supreme Soviet, to the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet
of the USSR.
Article
166
The procurators of Union Republics, Autonomous
Republics, Territories, Regions and Autonomous Regions are appointed by the
Procurator-General of the USSR. The procurators of Autonomous Areas and
district and city procurators are appointed by the Procurators of Union
Republics, subject to confirmation by the Procurator-General of the USSR.
Article
167
The term of office of the Procurator-General of
the USSR and all lower-ranking procurators shall be five years.
Article
168
(1) The agencies of the Procurator's Office
exercise their powers independently of any local bodies whatsoever, and are
subordinate solely to the Procurator-General of the USSR.
(2) The organization and procedure of the
agencies of the Procurator's Office are defined in the Law on the Procurator's
Office of the USSR.
Part
VIII Emblem, Flag, Anthem, Capital
Article
169
The State Emblem of the Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics is a hammer and sickle on a globe depicted in the rays of
the sun and framed by ears of wheat, with the inscription "Workers of All Countries, Unite!" in the languages of
the Union Republics. At the top of the Emblem is a five-pointed star.
Article
170
The State Flag of the Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics is a rectangle of red cloth with a hammer and sickle depicted in gold
in the upper corner next to the staff and with a five-pointed red star edged in
gold above them. The ratio of the width of the flag to its length is 1:2
Article
171
The State Anthem of the Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics is confirmed by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the
USSR.
Article
172
The Capital of the Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics is the city of Moscow.
Part
IX Legal Force and Amendments
Article
173
The Constitution of the USSR shall have supreme
legal force. All laws and other acts of state bodies shall be promulgated on
the basis of and in conformity with it.
Article
174
The Constitution of the USSR may be amended by a
decision of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR adopted by a majority of not less
than two-thirds of the total number of Deputies of each of its chambers.