
By: Sue Armstrong
To: Jesse Jones
Re: The Constitution of the USSR, 1977

THe following is, AFAIK, the ENTIRE Constitution of the USSR, as 
ratified in 1977 under Brezhnev.  Read it all and then tell me 
that it doesn't contain at least as much noble language as the US 
constitution does.  While I find the preamble quite jingoistic, I 
find it no less propagandistic than a thousand American speeches 
and self-back-slapping I've heard in my lifetime.

I am not claiming the government of the USSR practiced what it 
preached; however, I cannot honestly say I know they didn't, 
either, since all the info on the USSR that I grew up with came 
from American sources, which I no longer trust to be unbiased.  
A lot of this material surprised even _me_.  But the question here 
is whether or not the Soviet constitution ever contained "noble 
language".  I've not included any further commentary (though it 
was tempting), and have typed what I have verbatim.

Source:  The Constitutions of the Communist World, 1981
Translated by F.J.M Feldbrugge and William B. Simons.

           CONSTITUTION (FUNDAMENTAL LAW) OF THE
            UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS


PREAMBLE

THe Great Socialist October Revolution, carried out by the workers 
and peasants of Russia under the leadership of the Communist 
Party, headed by V. I. Lenin, overturned the power of the 
capitalists and landowners, broke the chains of oppression, 
established the dictatorship of the proletariat, and created the 
Soviet state - a state of a new type, the basic instrument to 
defend the revolutionary acheivements and to build socialism and 
communism.  The worldwide historical turning-point of mankind from 
capitalism to socialism began.

Having emerged victorious in the civil war and having repulsed 
imperialist intervention, Soviet power has wrought the most 
profound socio-economic transformations, forever put an end to the 
exploitation of man by man and to class antagonisms and national 
hostility.  The association of Soviet Republics in the Union of 
Soviet Socialist Republics enhanced the forces and possibilities 
of the people of the country for the building of socialism.  
Public ownership of the means of production and genuine democracy 
for the working masses were consilidated.  For the first time in 
the history of mankind, a socialist society was created.

The unfading feat of the Soviet people and its Armed Forces in 
winning an historic victory in the Great Patriotic War has become 
a shining manifestation of the strength of socialism.  This 
victory strengthened the authority and the international position 
of the USSR and opened new favourable opportunities for the 
growth of the forces of socialism, national liberation, democracy, 
and peace throughout the world.

Continuing their creative activity, the working people of the 
Soviet Union have ensured the rapid and all-around development of 
the country and the perfection of the socialist system.  The union 
between the working class, the collective farm peasantry, and the 
people's intelligentsia, and the friendship between the nations 
and nationalities of the USSR have been consolidated.   The 
socio-political and ideological unity of Soviet society, the 
leading force of which is the working class, has taken shape.  
Having fulfilled the tasks of the dictatorship of the proletariat, 
the Soviet state has become an all-people's state.  The leading 
role of the Communist Party, the vanguard of the whole people, has 
grown to maturity.

A developed socialist society has been built in the USSR.  At this 
stage, as socialism is developing on its own basis, the creative 
forces of the new system and the advantages of the socialist way 
of life are becoming more and more manifest, and the working 
people enjoy more and more the fruits of the great revolutionary 
achievements:

--a society in which powerful productive forces and a progressive 
science and culture have been created, and in which the well-being 
of the people is constantly growing and ever more and more 
favourable conditions for the all-round development of the 
individual are taking shape.

--a society of mature socialist social relationships in which, on 
the basis of the rapprochement of all classes and social strata, of 
the legal and factual equality of all nations and nationalities, 
and of their fraternal cooperation, a new historical community of 
people - the Soviet people - has taken shape.

--a society of working people - patriots and internationalists - 
who are to a high degree organised, ideologically committed, and 
conscious;

--a society in which the law of life is the concern of all for the 
welfare of each and the concern of each for the welfare of all;

--a society of genuine democracy, the political system of which 
ensures hte effective administration of all public affairs, the 
ever more active participation of the working people in the life 
of the state, and the combination of genuine rights and hte 
freedoms of citizens with their obligations and responisbility 
towards society.

A developed socialist society is a necessary stage on the road to 
communism.

The highest goal of the Soviet state is the building of a 
classless communist society in which social communist 
self-government will be developed.  The main tasks of the 
socialist all-people's state are:  to create the material and 
technical basis of communism; to perfect socialist social 
relationships and their transformation into communist 
relationships; to rear members of a communist society; to raise 
the material and cultural level of the life of the working people; 
to ensure the security of the country; and to promote the 
strengthening of peace and the development of international 
cooperation.

The Soviet people,
  guided by the ideas of scientific communism and remaining true 
to their revolutionary traditions,
  supported by the great socio-economic and political achievements 
of socialsm, striving towards the further development of socialist 
democracy,
  taking into account the international position of the USSR as a 
component part of the world system of socialism and recognising 
their international responsibility,
  preserving the continuity of the ideas and principles of the 
first Soviet Constitution of 1918, the Constitution of the USSR of 
1924, and the Constitution of the USSR in 1936,
  affirm the foundations of the social system and the policies of 
the USSR, establish the rights, freedoms, and obligations of 
citizens, and the principles of organisation and the aims of the 
socialist all-people's state, and procleaim them in this 
Constitution.

[continued]
To look into the eyes of the wolf is to see your soul - just be 
sure something 
you want to view is there.

                    Chapter I: The Political System


Article 1.  The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is a socialist 
all-people's state expressing the will and the interests of the 
workers, the peasants, and the intelligentsia, and of the working 
people of all the nations and nationalities of the country.

Article 2.  All power in the USSR belongs to the people.
  The people exercise state power through the Soviets of People's 
Deputies, which constitute the political foundation of the USSR.
  All other state organs are under the control of and accountable 
to teh Soviets of People's Deputies.

Article 3.  The Soviet state is organised and functions in 
accordance with the principle of democratic centralism: all organs 
of state power are elected from the lowest to the highest, they 
are accountable to the people, and the decisions of higher organs 
are binding for lower organs.  Democratic centralism combines 
unified leadership with local initiative and creative activity and 
with the responsibility of every state organ and offiial for the 
tasts entrusted to them.

Article 4.  The Soviet state and all its organs function on the 
basis of socialist legality and ensure the protection of the legal 
order, the interests of society, and the rights and freedoms of 
citizens.

Article 5.  The most important questions of the life of the state 
are submitted for nationwide discussion and are also put to a 
nationwide vote (referendum).

Article 6.  The Communist Party of the Soviet Union is th eleading 
and guiding force of Soviet society and the nucleus of its 
political system and of state and social organisations.  The CPSU 
exists for the people and serves the people.
  Armed with Marxist-Leninist doctrine, the Communist Party 
determines the general perspective of the development of society 
and the course of the domestic and foreign policy of the USSR, 
directs the great creative activity of the Soviet people, and 
imparts a planned and scientifically-sound character to their 
struggle for the victory of communism.
  All party organisations function within the framework of the 
Constitution of the USSR.

Article 7.  In accordance with their statutory functions, trade 
unions, the ALl-Union Leninist Communist Youth League, cooperative 
and other social organisations participate in the administration 
of state and public affairs and in the resolution of political, 
economic, and socio-cultural problems.

Article 8.  Labour collectives participate in the discussion and 
resolution of state and public affairs; in the planning of 
production and social development; in th etraining and placement 
of personnel; in the discussion and resolution of questions of the 
administration of enterprises and institutions; of the improvement 
of the conditions of labour and everyday life, and of the 
utilisation of resources allocated for the development of 
production as well as for socio-cultural measures and material 
incentives.
  Labour collectives develop socialist competition; promote the 
dissemination of progressive work-methods, and the strengthening 
of labour discipline; educate their members in the spirit of 
communist morality; and concern themselves with raising their 
political awareness, culture, and professional qualifications.

Article 9.  The basic direction of th edevelopment of the 
political system of the Soviet society is the further unfolding of 
socialist democracy; the ever-widening participation of citizens 
in the administration ofthe affairs of state and of society, the 
perfection of the state apparatus, the growth of the activity of 
social organisations, the strengthening of people's control, the 
reinforcement of the legal basis of the life of the state and of 
society, the extension of publicity, and premanent consideration 
of public opinion.

                     Chapter II:  The Economic System

Article 10:  The foundation of the economic system of the USSR is 
socialist ownership of the means of production in the form of 
state (all-people's) and collective-farm/cooperative ownership.
  Property of trade unions and other social organisations, 
necessary for the realisation of their statutory functions, is 
also socialist property.
  The state protects socialist ownership and creates conditions 
for its increase.
   No one has the right to use socialist property for purposes of 
personal gain and other selfish purposes.

Aricle 11.  State ownership, the common heritage of the entire 
Soviet people, is the basic form of socialist ownership.
  The land, its mineral wealth, the waters, and the forests are 
within the exclusive ownership of the state.  The state owns the 
basic means of production in industry, construction, and 
agriculture, the means of transportation and communication, the 
banks, the property of commercial, municipal, and other 
enterprises organised by the state, the basic municipal housing 
fund, as well as other property necessary for the realisation of 
the functions of the state.

Article 12.  The property of collective farms and other 
cooperative organisations and their associations consists of the 
means of production and other property necessary for the 
realisation of their statutory functions.
  The land occupied by collective farms is allocated to them for 
their free use and for an unlimited time.
  The state promotes the development of collective 
farming/cooperative ownership and its drawing together with state 
ownership.
  Collective farms, as well as other land users, are bound to 
utilise land efficiently, to treat it with care, and to increase 
its productiveness.

Article 13.  Earned income constitutes the basis of personal 
property of citizens of the USSR.  Articles of everyday use, of 
personal consumption and comfort, and of the subsidiary household, 
a dwelling and savings from labour may be held in personal 
ownership.  Personal ownership of citizens and the right to its 
inheritance are protected by the state.
  Citizens may have the use of plots of land, made available in 
the manner provided by law, in order to run a subsidiary household  
(including the keeping of livestock and fowl), to engage in fruit 
and vegetable gardening, and also for individual housing 
construction.  Citizens are bound to rationally utilise the plots 
of land made available to them.  The state and the collective farm 
render aid to citizens in running their subsidiary household.
  Property in the personal ownership or use of citizens must not 
serve for the derivation of unearned income or be used to the 
detriment of the interests of society.

Article 14.  The labour of Soviet people, free from exploitation, 
is the source of the growth of public wealth and of the well-being 
of the people and of every Soviet citizen.
  In accordance with the principle of socialism: "From each 
according to his abilities, to each according to his work", the 
state supervises performance and consumption.  It determines the 
rate of tax on income subject to taxation.
  Socially useful labour and its results determine the position of 
man in society.  The state, combining material and moral 
incentives, and encouraging inventiveness and a creative attitude 
to work, furthers the transformation of labour into the prime 
necessity of life of every Soviet man and woman.

Article 15.  The highest goal of social production under socialism 
is the fullest possible satisfaction of the growing material and 
spiritual needs of the people.
  Relying on the creative activity of working people and socialist 
competition, and on the acheivements of scientific-technical 
progress, and perfecting the forms and methods of economic 
management, the state ensures the growth of labour productivity, 
the increased efficiency of production and quality of work, and a 
dynamic, planned, and balanced development of the national 
economy.

Article 16.  The economic system of the USSR constitutes a single 
economic complex embracing all units of social production, 
distribution, and exchange within the territory of the country.
  The economic system is managed on the basis of state plans of 
economic and social development, taking into account the branch 
and territorial principles, and combining centralised leadership 
with the economic independence and initiative of enterprises, 
associations, and otehr organisations.  At the same time, economic 
accountability, profit, production costs, and other economic 
levers and stimuli are actively utilised.

Article 17.  Individual labour activity in the sphere of trades 
and crafts, agriculture, serving the everyday needs of the 
population, as well as other forms of activity based exclusively 
on the individual labour of citizens and the members of their 
families, are permitted in the USSR in accordance with the law.  
The state regulates individual labour activity, ensuring its 
utilisation in the interests of society.

Article 18.  In the interests of persent and future generations, 
the necessary measures are taken in the USSR for the protection 
and the scientifically-sound and rational utilisation of the land 
and its material wealth, water resources, the plant and animal 
world, for the preservation of the purity of the air and water, 
for safeguarding the reproduction of natural resources, and for 
the improvement of the human environment.

                 Chapter III: Social development and Culture

Article 19.  The indestructible union of workers, peasants, and 
the intelligentsia constitues the social foundation of the USSR.
  The state promotes the strengthening of the soial 
homogeneousness of society, the effacement of class differences 
and of the essential differences between town and country and 
between mental and physical labour, and the all-round development 
and rapproachment of the nations and nationalities of the USSR.

Article 20.  In accordance with the communist ideal:  "The free 
development of each is the condition for the free development of 
all", the state has as its goal the expansion of the actual 
possibilities for citizens to apply their creative forces, 
abilities, and talents, and for hte all-round development of the 
individual.

Article 21.  The state concerns itself with the improvement of 
working conditions and labour safety and the scientific 
organisation of labour, and with the reduction and, ultimately,  
with the complete elimination of heavy physical labour on the 
basis of the comprehensive mechanisation and automation of 
production processes in all branches of the national economy.

Article 22.  A programme of transforming agricultural labout into 
a variety of industrial labour; of widening in rural areas the 
network of institutions for public education, culture, health 
care, trade and public catering, services for everyday needs, and 
public utilities; and of transforming villages into well-appointed 
settlements is consistently implemented in the USSR.

Article 23.  On the basis of the growth of labour productivity, 
the state follows an unswerving course for raising the level of 
wages adn the real income of working people.
  Public funds for consumption are created in order to more fully 
satisfy the needs of the Soviet people.  The state, with the broad 
participation of social organisations and labour collectives, 
ensures the growth and the equitable distribution of these funds.

Article 24.  State systems of health care, social insurance, trade 
and public catering, services for everyday needs, and public 
utilities are operated and expanded in the USSR.
  The state encourages the activity of cooperative and other 
social organisations in all spheres of services to the population.  
the state promotes the development of mass physical culture and 
sport.

Article 25.  In the USSR there exists and is continually perfected 
a single system of national education which ensures the general 
educational and professional training of citizens, serves the
communist upbringing and the spiritual and physical development
of young people, and perpares them for work and social activity.

Article 26.  In accordance with the needs of society, the state 
ensures the planned development of science and the training of 
scientific personnel, and organises the implementation of the 
results of scientific research in the national economy and in 
other spheres of life.

Article 27.  the state concerns itself with the protection, 
multiplication, and broad utilisation of spiritual values for the 
purpose of the moral and aesthetic upbringing of Soviet people and 
the raising of their cultural level.
  The development of professional art and popular artistic 
creativeness recieves every encouragement in the USSR.

                  Chapter IV:  Foreign Policy

Article 28.  The USSR unswervingly conducts a Leninist peace 
policy and stands for consolidation of the security of peoples and 
broad international cooperation.
  The foreign policy of the USSR is directed at ensuring 
favourable international conditions for hte building of communism 
in the USSR, defending the state interests of the Soviet Union, 
strengthening the positions of world socialism, supporting the 
struggle of peoples for national liberation and social progress, 
at preventing aggressive wars, bringing about universal and 
complete disarmament, and consistently implementing the principle 
of peaceful coexistence of states with different social systems.
  In the USSR, war propaganda is forbidden.

Article 29.  Relations between the USSR and other states are 
shaped on the basis of the observance of the principles of 
sovreign equality; of mutual renunciation of the use of force or 
the threat of force; of the inviolability of borders; of the 
territorial integrity of states; of the peaceful settlement of 
disputes; of noninterference in internal affairs; of respect for 
human rights and fundamental freedoms; of the equality of peoples 
adn the right of peoples to decide their own destiny; of 
cooperation between states; and of the conscientious fulfillment 
of obligations arising from generally recoognised principles and 
norms of international law and from treaties concluded by the 
USSR.

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

             Chapter V.  Defense of the Socialist Fatherland

Article 31.  Defense of the socialist Fatherland is one of the 
most important functions of the state and is a concern of the 
whole people.
  In order to defend the socialist acheivements, the peaceful 
labour of the Soviet people, and the soverignty and territorial 
integrity of the state, the Armed Forces of the USSR have been 
created and universal military service has been established.
  The duty of the Armed Forces of the USSR to the people is 
reliably to defend the socialist Fatherland and to remain in 
constant combat readiness, guaranteeing an instant rebuff to any 
agressor.

Article 32.  The state ensures the security and defense capability 
of the country and equips the Armed Forces of the USSR with 
everything they require.
  The duties of state organs, social organisations, officials, and 
citizens in ensuring the security of th ecountry and the 
strengthening of its defense capability are defined by legislation 
of the USSR.

                    Chapter VII.  The Basic Rights,
                   Freedoms, and Obligations of Citizens
                         of the USSR

Article 39.  Citizens of the USSR enjoy the full range of the 
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 widening of the 
rights and freedoms and the continuous improvement of the living 
conditions of citizens in accordance with the fulfillment of the 
programmes of socio-economic and cultural development.
  In exercising their rights and freedoms, citizens may not injure 
the interests of society and the state or the rights of other 
citizens.

Article 40.  Citizens of the USSR have the right to work, that is, 
to guaranteed employment with remuneration in accordance with the 
quantity and quality of the work, and not lower than the minimum 
rate established by the state, incluing the right to choose a 
profession, occupation, and work in accordance with their 
vocation, ability, professional training, and education, taking 
into account the needs of society.
  This right is ensured by the socialist economic system, the 
continuous growth of the productive forces, free professional 
training, the improvement of work skills, training in new fields, 
and the development of the systems of professional guidance and 
job placement.

Article 41.  Citizens of the USSR have the right to rest.
  This right is ensured by establishing a workweek not exceeding 
41 hours for workers and employees, and a reduced workday for a 
number of professions and types of work, and by reduced working 
hours at night; by granting annual paid leave and weekly rest 
days, as well as by an expansion of the network of 
cultural-educational and health institutions and the development 
of mass sports, physical culture, and tourism; by the creation of 
favourable possibilities for rest in one's place of residence and
of other conditions for a rational use of free time.
  The length of working time and rest for collective farmers is 
regulated by the collective farms.

Article 42.  Citizens of the USSR have the right to health care.
  This right is ensured by free professional medical assistance 
provided by state health institutions; by expanding the network of 
institutions for medical treatment and improvement of the health 
of citizens; by the development and perfection of safety 
technology and industrial sanitation; by taking extensive 
preventive measures; by measures to improve the environment; by 
special care for the health of the younger generation, including 
the prohibition of child labour not connected with training and 
labour education; and by furthering scientific research aimed at 
the prevention of disease and the reduction of its incidence and 
at ensuring a long and active life for citizens.

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

Article 44.  Citizens of the USSR have the right to housing.
  This right is ensured by the development and protection of the 
state and social housing fund, by assistance to cooperative and 
individual housing construction, by a fair distribution, under 
social supervision, of living space made available in accordance 
with the realisation of the programme for the construction of 
well-built housing, and also by moderate payments for rent and 
municipal services.  Citizens of the USSR are bound to treat 
carefully the housing made available to them.

Article 45.  Citizens of the USSR have the right to education.
  This right is ensured by free education at all levels, the 
implementation of universal compulsory secondary education of 
young people, and the extensive development of 
professional-technical, specialised secondary, and higher 
education on the basis of connecting learning with life and 
production; by the development of correspondence and evening 
education; by granting state stipends and other benefits to pupils 
and students; by the free issue of school textbooks; by the 
possibility for instruction in school in one's native language; 
and by the creatoin of conditions for self-education.

Article 46.  Citizens of the USSR have the right to use the 
achievements of culture.
  This right is ensured by the general accessibility of the 
treasures of national and world culture in state and public 
collections; by the development and balanced distribution of 
cultural-educational institutions within the territory of the 
country; by the development of television and radio, of book 
publishing and the periodic press, and of the network of free 
libraries; and by expanding cultural exchanges 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 creation.  This freedom is ensured by 
extensively furthering scientific research and the activities of 
inventors and rationalisers, and by the development of literature 
and the arts.  The state creates the necessary material conditions 
for these developments and provides support to voluntary societies 
and creative unions, and organises the introduction of inventions 
and rationalisation proposals in the national economy and other 
spheres of life.
  The rights of authors, inventors, and rationalisers are 
protected 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 general state 
and local significance.
  This right is ensured by the possibility to participate in 
elections for and to be elected to Soviets of People's Deputies 
and other elective state organs, and to take part in nationwide 
discussions and votes, in people's control, in the work of state 
organs, social organisations, and organs of social initiative, and 
in meetings of labour and residential collectives.

Article 49.  Every citizen of the USSR has the right to submit 
proposals to state organs and social organisations concerning the 
improvement of their activity and to criticise shortcomings in 
their work.
  Officials are bound to consider,  within the established 
time-limits, the proposals and applications of citizens, to reply 
to these, and to take the measures necessary.
  Persecution on account of criticism is prohibited.  Persons 
engaging in persecution for criticism are held responsible.

Article 50.  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, of 
assembly, of meetings and of street marches, and demonstrations.
  The exercise of these political freedoms is ensured by making 
available public buildings, streets, and squares to the working 
people and their organisations, by the wide dissemination of 
information, and by the opportunity to make use of press, 
television, and radio.

Article 51.  In accordance with the goals of communist 
construction, citizens of the USSR have the right to unite in 
social organisations, which promote the development of political 
activity and initiative and the satisfaction of their diverse 
interests.
  Social organisations are guaranteed the conditions for the 
successful fulfillment of their statutory functions.

Article 52.  Citizens of the USSR are guaranteed freedom of 
conscience, that is, the right to profess any religion or to 
profess no religion at all, and to perform religious rites, or to 
conduct atheist propaganda.  The incitement of hostility and 
hatred in connection with religious beliefs is prohibited.
  The church in the USSR is seperated from the state, and the 
school from the church.

Article 53.  The family is under the protection of the state.
  Marriage is based on the voluntary consent of the woman and the 
man; spouses are completely equal in family relationships.
  The state shows concern for the family by creating and 
developing an extensive network of children's institutions and 
organisations, by organising and perfecting everyday services and 
public catering, by paying childbirth allowances, and by granting 
allowances and benefits to large families, as well as other forms 
of allowances and aid to the family.

Article 54.  Citizens of the USSR are guaranteed inviolability of 
the person.  No one may be arrested unless on the basis of a court 
order or with the sanction of the procurator.

Article 55.  Citizens of the USSR are guaranteed inviolability of 
the home.  No one has the right, without lawful grounds, to enter 
a home against the will of the persons residing therein.

Article 56.  The private life of citizens and the secrecy of 
correspondence, telephone conversations, and telegraph messages 
are protected by law.

Article 57.  It is the duty of all state organs, social 
organisations, and officials to respect the person and to protect 
the rights and freedoms of citizens.
  Citizens of the USSR have the right to judicial protection 
against attacks on their honour and dignity, their lives and 
health, and their personal freedom and property.

Article 58.  Citizens of the USSR have the right to address 
complaints against actions of officials and of state and social 
organs.  Complaints must be considered in the manner and within 
the time-limits established by law.
  Complaints may be brought to a court, in the manner established 
by law, against actions which violate the law or exceed the 
authority of officials and which infringe the rights of citizens.
  Citizens of the USSR have the right to compensation for damages 
unflicted by unlawful actions of state and social organisations, 
as well as of officials, in the course of the performance of their 
official duties.

Article 59.  The exercise of rights and freedoms is inseperable 
from the performance by the citizen of his duties.
  The citizen of the USSR is bound to observe the Constitution of 
the USSR and Soviet laws, to respect the rules of socialist 
community life, and to bear with dignity the high calling of 
citizens of the USSR.

Article 60.  Conscientious labour in one's chosen field of 
socially useful activity and observence of labour discipline is 
the duty  and a matter of honour for every Soviet citizen who is 
able to work.  Avoiding socially useful work is incompatible with 
the principles of a socialist society.

Article 61. The citizen of the USSR is bound to safeguard and 
strengthen socialist property.  It is the duty of the citizen of 
the USSR to fight theft and waste of state and local property, and 
to treat the wealth of the people with care.
  Persons infringing upon socialist property are punished 
according to law.

Article 62.  The citizen of the USSR is bound to safeguard the 
interests of the Soviet state and to promote the growth of its 
power and authority.
  The devfense of the socialist Fatherland is the sacred duty of 
every citizen of the USSR.
  Treason to the Motherland is the gravest crime against the 
people.

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

Article 64.  It is the duty of every citizen of the USSR to 
respect the national dignity of other citizens and to strengthen 
the friendship of the nations and nationalities of the 
multinational Soviet state.

Article 65.  The citizen of the USSR is bound to respect the 
rights and lawful interests of other persons, to be intolerant of 
anti-social behaviour, and to promote in every way the protection 
of public order.

Article 66.  Citizens of the USSR are bound to show concern for 
the upbringing of children, to prepare them for socially useful 
labour, and to raise worthy members of a socialist society.  
Children are bound to show concern for their parents and render 
them aid.

Article 67.  Citizens of the USSR are bound to protect nature and 
safeguard its riches.

Article 68.  Concern for the preservation of historical monuments 
and other cultural treasures is the duty and obligation of 
citizens of the USSR.

Article 69.  It is the international duty of citizens of the USSR 
to promote the development of friendship and cooperation with 
peoples of other countries and the maintenance and strengthening 
of world peace.

          III. THE NATIONAL AND STATE STRUCTURE OF THE USSR

            Chapter VIII.  THe USSR - A Federal State


Article 70.  The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is a unitary, 
federal, multinational state, formed on the basis of the principle 
of socialist federalism, and as the result of the free 
self-determination of nations, and the voluntary association of 
equal Soviet Socialist Republics.
  The USSR embodies the state unity of the Soviet people and 
brings together all the nations and nationalities for the purpose 
of jointly building communism.

Article 71.  In the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics are 
united:
  The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic.
  The Ukranian Soviet Socialist Republic,
  The Belorussian Soviet Socialist Republic,
  The Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic,
  The Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic,
  The Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic,
  The Azerbaidzhan Soviet Socialist Republic,
  The Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic,
  The Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic,
  The Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic,
  The Kirgiz Soviet Socialist Republic,
  The Tadzhik Soviet Socialist Republic,
  The Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic,
  The Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic,
  The Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic.

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

Article 73.  The jurisdiction of th USSR; confirming the formation 
of new autonomous republics, through its highest organs of state 
power and administration, encompasses:
  (1) admitting new republics into the USSR; confirming the 
formation of new autonomous republics and autonomous provinces 
within the union republics;
  (2) determining the state border of the USSR and confirming 
changes of boundaries between union republics;
  (3) establishing general principles for the organisation and 
functioning of republic and loal organs of state power and 
administration;
  (4) ensuring the unity of legislative regulation within the 
entire territory of the USSR and establishing principles of 
legislation of the USSR and the union republics;
  (5) conducting a unified socio-economic policy and directing the 
economic system of the country; determining the basic directions 
of scientific-technical progress and the general measures for a 
rational utilisation and protection of natural resources; 
formulating and confirming the state plans of economic and social 
development of the USSR and confirming the state plans of economic 
and social development of the USSR and confirming the state plans 
of economic and social development of the USSR and confirming 
reports on their fulfillment.
  (6)  formulating and confirming the integrated state budget of 
the USSR and confirming teh report on its fulfillment; directing 
the uniform monetary and credit system; establishing the taxes and 
revenues which go to form the state budget of the USSR; 
determining a prices and wages policy.
  (7)  directing the branches of the national economy and the 
associations and enterprises of union subordination; the over-all 
direction of the branches of union republic subordination;
  (8) questions of peace and war, the defense of sovreignty and 
the protection of the state borders and territory of the USSR, 
organising defense, and directing the Armed Forces of the USSR;
  (9) ensuring state security;
  (10) representing the USSR in international relations; the 
contacts of the USSR with foreign states and international 
organisations; establishing a general procedure for and 
coordination of the relations of union republics with foreign 
states and international organisations; foreign trade and other 
forms of foreign economic activities on the basis of the monopoly 
of the state;
  (11)  supervising the observance of the Constitution of the USSR 
and ensuring the conformity of the Constitutions of the union 
republics with the Constitution of the USSR.
  (12) resolving other questions of all-union importance.

Article 74.  The laws of the USSR have equal force within the 
territory of all the union republics.  In the event of a 
discrepancy between the law of a union republic and all-union law, 
the law of the USSR prevails.

Article 75.  The territory of the Union of Soviet Socialist 
Republics is one and includes the territories of the union 
republics.
  The sovreignty of the USSR extends to its entire territory.


       Chapter I.  The Soviet Socialist Union Republic

Article 76.  A union republic is a soverign Soviet socialist state 
which has united itself with other Soviet republics in the Union 
of Soviet Socialist Republics.
  Outside the limits indicated in Article 73 of the Constitution 
of the USSR, a union republic independently exercises state power 
within its territory.
  A union republic has its own Constitution, which conforms to the 
Constitution of the USSR and takes account of the special 
character of the republic.

Article 77.  A union republic participates in the resolution of 
questions within the jurisdiction of the USSR in the Supreme 
Soviet of the USSR, in the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the 
USSR, in the Government of the USSR, and in other organs of the 
USSR.
  A union republic ensures integrated economic and social 
development within its territory, facilitates the exercise of the 
authority of the USSR within its territory and implements the 
dicisions of the supreme organs of state power and administration 
of the USSR.
  With regard to questions within its jurisdiction, a union 
republic coordinates and supervises the activities of enterprises, 
institutions, and organisations of union subordination.

Article 78. The territory of a union republic may not be altered 
without its consent.  The boundaries between union republics ay be 
altered by mutual agreement of the union republics concerned, 
subject to confirmation by the USSR.

Article 79.  A union republic determines its division into 
territories, provinces, areas, and districts, and resolves other 
questions of administrative-territorial organisation.

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

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

       Chapter X.  The Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic

Article 82.  An autonomous republic is part of a union republic.
  Outside the limits of the rights of the USSR and the union 
republic, an autonomous republic independently resolves questions 
within its jurisdictions.
  An autonomous republic has its own Constitution, which conforms 
to the Constitution of the USSR and the Constitution of the union 
republic, and which takes into account the special character of 
the autonomous republic.

Article 83.  An autonomous republic participates in the resolution 
of questions within the jurisdiction of the USSR and the union 
republic through the surpreme organs of state power and 
administratoin of the USSR and the union republic respectively.
  The autonomous republic ensures integrated economic and social 
development within its territory, facilitates the eercise within 
its territory of the authority of the USSR and the union republic, 
and implements the decisions of the supreme organs of state power 
and administration of the USSR and teh union republic.
  With regard to questions within its jurisdiction, an 
autonomous republic coordinates and supervises the activities of 
enterprises, institutions, and organisations of union and republic 
(union republic) subordination.

Article 84.  The territory of the autonomous republic may not be 
altered without its consent.

Article 85.  The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic 
contains the Bashkir, Buriat, Dagestan, Kabardino-Balkar, Kalmyk, 
Karelian, Komi, Mari, Mordvinian, North Ossetian, Tatar, Tuva, 
Udmurt, Chechen-Ingush, Chuvash, and Iakut Autonomous Soviet 
Socialist Republics.
  The Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic contains the Kara-Kalpak 
Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.
  The Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic contains the Abkhaz and
Adzhar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republics.
  The Azerbaidzhan Soviet Socialist Republic contains the 
Nakhi-chevan' Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.

     Chapter XI.  The Autonomous Province and Autonomous Area

Article 86.  An autonomous province is part of a union republic or 
a territory.  A law on an autonomous province is adopted by the 
Supreme Soviet of a union republic on the recommendation of the 
Soviet of People's Deputies of an autonomous province.

Article 87.  The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic 
contains the Adyge, Gorno-Altai, Jewish, Karachi-Cherkess, and 
Khakass autonomous provinces.
  The Georgian Soviet Soviet Socialist Republic contains the South 
Ossetian autonomous province.
  The Azerbaidzhan Soviet Socialist Republic contains the 
Nagorno-Karabakh autonomous province.
  The Tadzhik Soviet Socialist Republic contains the 
Gorno-Badakhistan autonomous province.

Article 88.  An autonomous area is part of a territory or a 
province.  A Law on Autonomous Areas is adopted by the Supreme 
Soviet of a union republic.

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

Chapter XII.  The System and Principles of Operation of the 
              Soviets of People's Deputies

Article 89.  The Soviets of People's Deputies: the Supreme Soviet 
of the USSR; the Supreme Soviets of the union republics; the 
Supreme Soviets of the autonomous republics; the territorial and 
privincial Soviets of People's Deputies of autonomous provinces 
and autonomous areas; district, city, city-district, settlement, 
and village Soviets of People's Deputies - constitute an 
integrated system of organs and state power.

Article 90.  The term of office of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, 
the Supreme Soviets of the union republics, and the Supreme 
Soviets of autonomous republics is five years.
  The term of office of local Soviets of People's Deputies is two 
and a half years.
  Elections for Soviets of People's Deputies are called not later 
than two months before the expiration of the term of office of the 
Soviets concerned.

Article 91.  The most important questions within the jurisdiction 
of the respective Soviets of People's Deputies are considered and 
resolved at their sessions.
  The Soviets of People's Deputies elect standing commissions and 
create executive and administrative, as well as other organs 
accountable to them.

Article 92.  The Soviets of People's Deputies set up organs of 
people's control, combining state supervision with social 
supervision by working people in enterprises, collective farms, 
institutions, and organisations.
  The organs of people's control supervise the fulfillment of 
state plans and assignments, combat violations of state 
discipline, manifestations of localism, a departmental approach to 
business, mis-management and wastefulness, red tape and 
bureaucracy, and they assist in perfecting the work of the state 
apparatus.

Article 93.  The Soviets of People's Deputies, directly and 
through organs created by them, direct all branches of state, 
economic, and socio-cultural construction, adopt decisions, ensure 
their execution, and supervise their implementation.

Article 94.  The activities of the Soviets of People's Deputies 
are based on the collective, free, and businesslike discussion and 
resolution of questions, on openness, on the regular accounting of 
executive and and administrative organs, and other organs created 
by the Soviets, to the Soviets, and to the population, nad on the 
widespread enlistent of citizens to participate in the work of the 
Soviets.
  The Soviets of People's Deputies and the organs created by them 
systematically inform the population about their work and the 
decisions taken.

                Chapter XIII. The Electoral System

Article 95.  Elections of deputies to all Soviets of People's 
Deputies are held on the basis of universal, equal, and direct 
suffrage by secret ballot.

Article 96.  Elections of deputies are universal; all citizens of 
the USSR who have reached the age of 18 years have the right to 
vote and to be elected, with the exception of persons who have, in 
the manner established by law, been declared insane.
  A citizen of the USSR who has reached the age of 21 years may be 
elected as a deputy to the Supreme Soviet.

Article 97.  Elections of deputies are equal: each voter has one 
vote; all voters participate in elections on an equal basis.

Article 98.  Elections of deputies are direct:  the deputies of 
all Soviets of People's Deputies are elected directly by the 
citizens.

Article 99.  The voting in elections of deputies is secret:  
checking on the expression of the will of the voter is not 
allowed.

Article 100.  The right to nominate candidates for election as 
deputies belongs to organisations of the Communist Party of the 
Soviet Union, of trade unions, and of the All-Union Leninist 
Communist League of Youth, to cooperative and other social 
organisations, to labour collectives, as well as to assemblies of 
servicemen according to military units.
  Citizens of the USSR and social organisations are guaranteed the 
right to free and all-round discussion of the political, 
professional, and personal qualities of the candidates for 
election as deputies, as well as the right to campaign at 
meetings, in the press, and on television and radio.
  Epenses connected with conducting elections for Soviets of 
People's Deputies are borne by the state.

Article 101.  Elections of deputies to Soviets of People's 
Deputies are held on the basis of electoral districts.
  A citizen of the USSR may not, as a rule, be elected to more 
than two Soviets of People's Deputies.
  Elections of deputies to Soviets of People's Deputies are 
conducted by electoral commissions, composed of representatives of 
social organisations, labour collectives, and assemblies of 
servicemen according to military units.
  The procedure for conducting elections to the Soviets of 
People's Deputies is defined by laws of the USSR, the union 
republics, and the autonomous republics.

Article 102.  The voters give mandates to their deputies.
  The appropriate Soviets of People's Deputies consider the 
mandates of the voters, take account of them while formulating the 
plans of economic and socail edvelopment and drawing up of the 
budget, organise the implementation of mandates, and inform the 
citizens about their realisation.

              Chapter XIV.  The People's Deputy

Article 103.  Deputies are plenipotentiary representatives of the 
people in the Soviets of People's Deputies.
  By participating in the work of the Soviets, the deputies 
resolve deputies resolve questions of state, economic, and 
socio-cultural constructoin, organise the implementation of 
decision of the Soviets, and supervise the work of state organs, 
enterprises, institutions, and organisations.
  In his activity, a deputy is guided by the general interests of 
the state, takes into account the demands of the population of his 
constituency, and seeks to implement the mandates of his 
constituents.

Article 104. A deputy eercises his powers without interrupting his 
work in production or service.
  During the sessions of the Soviet, as well as in order to 
exercise the powers of a deputy in other instances provided for by 
law, the deputy is relieved from performing his duties in 
production or service, while retaining his average earnings at his 
place of permanent employment.

Article 105.  A deputy has rights to address inquiries to the 
appropriate state organs and officials, who are obliged to answer 
the inquiries at the session of the Soviet.
  A deputy has the right to address himself to all state and 
social organs, enterprises, institutions, and organisations 
concerning questions within the scope of his activity as a deputy, 
and to participate in the consideration of the questions raised by 
him.  The heads of the state and social organs, enterprises, 
institutions, and organisations concerned are obliged to receive 
the deputy without delay and to consider his proposals within the 
established time-limit.

Article 106.  A deputy is ensured the conditions for the 
unhindered and effective exercise of his rights and execution of 
his duties.
  The immunity of deputies, as well as other guarantees of a 
deputy's activities, are established by the Law on the Status of 
Deputies and by other legislative acts of the USSR and the union 
and autonomous republics.

Article 107.  A deputy is obliged to report on his work and the 
work of the Soviet to his constituents, as well as to the 
collectives and social organisations which nominated him as a 
candidate for election.
  A deputy, who has not justified the trust of his constituents, 
may at any time be recalled by a decision of a majority of hsi 
constituents in the manner established by law.

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

      Chapter XV.  The Supreme Soviet of the USSR

Article 108.  The supreme organ of state power of the USSR is the 
Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
  The Supreme Soviet of the USSR is empowered to decide all 
questions assigned to the jurisdiction of the USSR by the present 
Constitution.
  The adoption of the Constitution of the USSR and of admendments 
therein; the admission of new republics to teh USSR adn the 
confirmation of the formation of new autonomous republics and 
autonomous provinces; the confirmation of state plans of economic 
and social development of the USSR, and of the state budget os the 
USSR and the reports on their fulfillment; and the formation of 
USSR organs accountable to the Supreme Soviet - are within the 
exclusive competence of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
  Laws of the USSR are adopted by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, 
or by a nationwide vote (referendum) conducted on the basis of a 
decision of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

Article 109.  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 have equal rights.

Article 110.  The Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of 
Nationalities consist of an equal number of deputies.
  The Soviet of the Union is elected on the basis of electoral 
districts with an equal number of inhabitants.
  The Soviet of Nationalities is elected according to the 
following formula:  32 deputies from each union republic, 11 
deputies from each autonomous republic, 5 deputies from each 
autonomous province, and one deputy from each autonomous area.
  On the recommendation of the mandates commission elected by 
them, the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities 
decide on the recognition of the credentials of the deputies and, 
in the event of a violation of electoral legislation, on finding 
the election of individual deputies null and void.

Article 111.  Each chamber of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR 
elects a Chairman of the chamber and four Deputy Chairmen.
  The Chairmen of the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of 
Nationalities preside over the meetings of the respective chambers 
and are in charge of their proceedings.
  The Chairmen of teh Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of 
Nationalities alternately conduct the joint meetings of the 
chambers of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

Article 112.  Sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR are 
convened twice a year.
  Extraordinary sessions are convened by the Presidium of the 
Supreme Soviet of the USSR at its own initiative, as well as on 
the proposal of one of the union republics or of not less than 
one-third of the deputies of one of the chambers.
  A session of the Supreme soviet of the USSR consists of seperate 
and joint meetings of the chambers, as well as of meet6ings of 
standing commissions of the chambers or commissions of the Supreme 
Soviet of the USSR held between sessions.  A session is opened and 
closed at seperate 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 through 
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 Procurator General of the USSR.
  Social organisations, through their all-union organs, also enjoy 
the right of legislative initiative.

Article 114.  Draft bills and other questions, referred for 
consideration to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, are discussed by 
the chambers at their seperate or joint meetings.  When necessary, 
the draft bill, or, as the case may be, the question may be 
referred for preliminary or additinal consideration to one or 
several commissions.
  A law of the USSR is considered adopted if, in each of the 
chambers of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, a majority of the 
total number of deputies voted in favour of it.  Decrees 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.
  Draft bills and other highly important questions of the life of 
the state may be submitted to a nationwide discussion by a 
decision of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR or of the Presidium of 
the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, adopted at their own initiative, 
or on the proposal of a union republic.

Article 115.  In the event of disagreement between the Soviet of 
the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities, the question is 
referred for settlement to a conciliation commission, formed by 
the chambers on a parity basis, after which the question is 
considered a second time by the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet 
of Nationalities at a joint meeting.  If even in such a case no 
agreement is reached, the question is carried over for 
consideration at the next session of the Supreme Soviet of the 
USSR or is submitted by the latter to a nationwide vote 
(referendum).

Article 116.  Laws of the USSR, decrees, and other acts of the 
Supreme Soviet of the USSR are published in the languages of the 
union republics over hte signatures of the Chairman and Secretary 
of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

Article 117.  A deputy to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR ahs the 
right to address inquiries to the Council of Ministers of the 
USSR, and to ministers and heads of other organs formed by the 
Supreme Soviet of the USSR.  Teh Council of Ministers of the USSR 
or the offical to whom an inquiry has been addressed is obliged to 
give an oral or written reply at the given session of the Supreme 
Soviet of the USSR within a period of three days.

Article 118.  A deputy to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR may not 
be prosecuted, arrested or subjected to judicially imposed 
administrative penalities without the consent of the Supreme 
Soviet of the USSR, and, during the time between its sessions, 
without the consent of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the 
USSR.

Article 119.  At a joint meeting of the chambers, the Supreme 
Soviet of teh USSR elects the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of 
the USSR, the permanently functioning organ of the Supreme Soviet 
of the USSR, accountable to the latter in all its activities and 
exercising, within the limits provided for by the Constitution, 
the functions of the supreme organ of state power of the USSR 
during the time between sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the 
USSR.

Article 120.  The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR is 
elected from among the deputies and consists of the Chairman of 
the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet, the First Deputy Chairman, 
fifteen Deputy Charimen - one from each union republic, the 
Secretary of the Presidium, and twenty-one members of the 
Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

Article 121.  The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR:
  (1) calls elections to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR;
  (2) convenes the sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR;
  (3) coordinates the activities of the standing commissions of 
the chambers of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR;
  (4) supervises the observance of the Constitution of the USSR 
and ensures that the Constitution and laws of the union republics 
conform to the Constitution and laws of the USSR;
  (5) interprets the laws of the USSR;
  (6) ratifies and denounces treaties to which the USSR is a 
party;
  (7) annuls decrees and resolutions of the Council of Ministers 
of the USSR and of Councils of Ministers of union republics where 
they do not conform to the law;
  (8) establishes military and diplomatic ranks adn otehr special 
ranks; confers military and diplomatic ranks and other special 
ranks;
  (9) institutes orders and medals of the USSR; establishes 
honorary titles of the USSR; awards orders and medals of the USSR; 
confers honorary titles of the USSR;
  (10) admits persons to citizenship of the USSR and decides 
questions of the renunciation and deprivation of citizenship of 
the USSR and of granting asylum;
  (11) issues all-union acts of amnesty and grants pardon;
  (12) appoints and recalls diplomatic representatives of the USSR 
to foreign states and at international organisations;
  (13) accepts credentials and letters of recall of diplomatic 
representatives of foreign states accredited to it;
  (14)forms the Council of Defense of the USSR and confirms its 
composition, appoints and replaces the high command of the Armed 
Forces of the USSR;
  (15) proclaims, in the intersts of defense of the USSR, martial 
law in specific localities or for the whole country;
  (16) proclaims general or partial mobilisations;
  (17) during the time between the sessions of the Supreme Soviet 
of the USSR, procmains a state of war in the event of a military 
attack on the USSR or when necessary to fulfill treaty obligations 
concerning mutual defense against agression;
  (18) exercises other powers established by the Constitution and 
laws of the USSR.

Article 122.  The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of th USSR, 
during the time between sessions of the Supreme Soviet, and with 
subsequent submission for confirmation at the next session of the 
Supreme Soviet:
  (1) amends, when necessary, legislative acts of the USSR in 
force;
  (2) confirms boundary changes between union republics;
  (3) forms and abolishes ministries of the USSR and state 
committees of the USSR on the proposal of the Council of Ministers 
of the USSR;
  (4) dismisses and appoints individual persons as members of the 
Coucil of Ministers of the USSR 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 
issues edicts and adopts resolutions.

Article 124.  Upon expiration of the term of office of the Supreme 
Soviet of the USSR, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the 

   Chapter XVI.  The Council and Ministers of the USSR

Article 128.  The Council of Ministers of the USSR - the 
Government of the USSR - is the supreme executive and 
administrative organ of state power of the USSR.

Article 129.  The Council of Ministers of the USSR is set up by 
the Supreme Soviet of the USSR at a joint meeting of the Soviet of 
the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities and is composed of:  the 
Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, First Deputy 
Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen, the ministers of the USSR, and 
chairmen of the state committees of the USSR.
  The chairmen of the Councils of Ministers of the union republics 
are members of the Council of Ministers of the USSR by virtue of 
their office.
  On the recommendation of the Chairmen of the Council of 
Ministers of the USSR, the Supreme Soviet of the USSR may include 
the heads of other organs and organisations of the USSR as members 
of the Government of the USSR.
  The Council of Ministers of the USSR lays down its powers 
before the newly-elected Supreme Soviet of the USSR at the first 
session of the latter.

Article 130.  The Council of Ministers of the USSR is responsible 
and accountable to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and, during the 
time between the sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, to 
the Presidium of the USSR, to whom it is accountable.
  The Council of Ministers of the USSR regularly reports on its 
work to the Supreme Soviet of hte USSR.

Article 131.  The Council of Ministers of the USSR is empowered to 
resolve all questions of state administration within the 
jurisdiction of the USSR insofar as they do not, according to the 
Constitution, come within the competence of the Supreme Soviet of 
the USSR and the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
  WIthin the limits of its authority, the Council of Ministers of 
the USSR:
  (1) ensures the management of the national economy and 
socio-cultural construction; formulates and takes measures to 
ensure the growth of the well-being and culture of the people, to 
develop science and technology, to rationally utilise and protect 
natural resources, to strengthen the monetary and credit system, 
to implement a uniform policy of prices, wages, social welfare, 
and state insurance organisation, and a uniform system of 
accounting and statistics; organises the administration of 
industrial, construction, and agricultural enterprises and 
associations, transport and communications enterprises, banks, as 
well as other organisations nad institutions of union 
subordination;
  (2) formulates and submits to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR 
current and long-range state plans of the economic and social 
development of the USSR and the state budget of the USSR; takes 
measures to implement state plans and the budget; submits reports 
on the fulfillment of the plans and the budget to the Supreme 
Soviet of the USSR;
  (3) takes measures to defend the interests of the state, to 
protect socialist property and public order, and to safeguard and 
defend the rights and freedoms of citizens;
  (4) takes measures to ensure state security;
  (5) exercises general leadership over the organisation of the 
Armed Forces of the USSR and determines the annual contingents of 
citizens subject to be called up for active military service;
  (6) exercises general leadership in the field of relations with 
foreign states, foreign trade, and economic, scientific-technical, 
and cultural cooperation of the USSR with foreign countries; takes 
measures to ensure the fulfillment of treaties of the USSR; 
confirms and denounces intergovernmental treaties;
  (7) sets up, when necessary, committees, chief administrations, 
and other departments attached to the Council of Ministers of the 
USSR for matters of economic, socio-cultural, and defense 
organisation.

Article 132.  The Presidium of the Council of Ministers of the 
USSR, consisting og the Chairmean of the Council of Ministers of 
the USSR, the First Deputy Charimen and the Deputy Chairmen, 
functions as a permanent organ of the Council of Ministers of the 
USSR for the resolution of questions connected with ensuring the 
management of the national economy and other questions of state 
administration.

Article 133.  The Council of Ministers of the USSR, on the basis 
and in pursuance of laws of the USSR and other decisions of the 
Supreme Soviet of the USSR and its Presidium, issues decrees and 
resolutions and verifies their execution.  The execution of 
decrees and resolutions of the Council of Ministers of the USSR is 
obligatory throughout the territory of the USSR.

Article 134.  The Council of Ministers of the USSR, in questions 
within the jurisdiction of the USSR, has the right to suspend the 
execution of decrees and resolutions of the Councils of Ministers 
of the union republics, as well as to annual acts of ministries of 
the USSR, state committees of the USR, and other organs 
subordinate to it.

Article 135.  The Council of Ministers of the USSR coordinates and 
directs th ework of all-union republic ministries and state 
committees of the USSR, and other organs subordinate to it.
  All-union ministries and state commitees of the USSR direct the 
branches of administration entrusted to them or exercise 
inter-branch control, as a rule, through the correspeonding 
ministries, state committees, and other organs of the union 
republics, and administer directly the individual enterprises and 
associations of union subordinations.  The manner of transferring 
enterprises and associations of republic or local subordination to 
union subordination is determined by the Presidium of the Supreme 
Soviet of the USSR.
  Ministries and state committees of the USSR are responsible for 
the state and the edvelopment of the spheres of administration 
entrusted to them; they issue acts within the limites of their 
competence and on the basis and in pursuance of the laws of hte 
USSR, other decisions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and its 
Presidium, and decrees and resolutions of the Council of Ministers 
of the USSRl and they organise and verify their execution.

Article 136.  The competence of the Council of Ministers of th 
eUSSR and its Presidium, the procedure of their activity, the 
relations of the Council of Ministers with other state organs, as 
well as the list of all-union and union republic ministries and 
state commitees of the USSR are defined, on the basis of the 
Constitution, by the Law on the Council of Ministers of the USSR.

VI.  PRINCIPLES OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE ORGANS OF STATE POWER AND 
           ADMINISTRATION IN THE UNION REPUBLICS

   Chapter XVII.  The Supreme Organs of State Power and 
          Administration of a Union Republic

Article 137.  The supreme organ of state power of a union republic 
is the Supreme Soviet of the union republic.
  The Supreme Soviet of a union republic is empowered to resolve 
all questions assigned to the jurisdiction of the union republic 
by the Constitution of the USSR and the Constitution of the union 
republic.
  The adoption of the Constitution of a union republic and of 
amendments therin, the confirmation of state plans of economic and 
social development, of the state budget of the union republic nad 
reports on their fulfillment; the formation of organs accountable 
to the Supreme Soviet of the union republic - belong to the 
exclusive competence of the union republic.
  Laws of a union republic are adopted by the Supreme Soviet of 
the union republic or by a national vote (referendum) conducted on 
the basis of a decision of the Supreme Soviet of the union 
republics.

Article 138.  The Supreme Soviet of a union republic elects hte 
Presidium of the Supreme Soviet, the permanently functioning organ 
of the Supreme Soviet of the union republic, accountable to the 
latter in all its activities.  The composition and powers of the 
Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of a union republic are defined by 
the Constitution of the union republic.

Article 139.  The Supreme Soviet of a union republic sets up the 
Council of Ministers of the union republic - the Government of the 
union republic - the supreme executive and administrative organ of 
state power of the union republic.
  The Council of Ministers of a union republic is responsible and 
accountable to the Supreme Soviet of the union republic and, 
during the time between the sessions of the Supreme Soviet, to the 
Presidium of th esUpreme Soviet of the union republic, to whom it 
is accountable.

Article 140.  The Council of Ministers of a union republic issues 
decrees and resultions on the basis and in pursuance of 
legislative acts of the USSR and the union republic, and of 
decrees and resolutions of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, 
and organises and verifies their execution.

Article 141.  The Council of Ministers of a union republic has the 
right to suspend the execution of decrees and resolutions of the 
Councils of Ministers of autonomous republics and to annul 
decisions and resolutions of executive committees of territorial, 
provincial, and city (in cities of republican subordination) 
Soviets of People's Deputies, of Soviets of Poeple's deputies of 
autonomous provinces, and in union republics not divided into 
provinces, of executive committees of district and corresponding 
city Soviets of People's Deputies.

Article 142.  The Council of Ministers of a union republic 
coordinates and directs the work of union republic and republic 
ministries and state committees of the union republic, and other 
organs subordinate to it.
  Union republic ministries and state committees of a union 
republic direct the branches of administration entrusted to them 
or exercise inter-branch control, being subordinate to the Council 
of Ministers of the union republic, as well as to the 
corresponding union republic ministry of the USSR or state 
committee of the USSR.
  Republic ministries and state committees direct the branches of 
administration entrusted to them or exercise inter-branch control, 
being subordinate to the Council of Ministers of the Union 
Republic.

    Chapter XVIII.  The Supreme Organs of State Power and 
          Administration of an Autonomous Republic

Article 143.  The supreme organ of state power of an autonomous 
republic is the Supreme Soviet of the autonomous republic.
  Teh adoption of the Constitution of an autonomous republic and 
of amendments therein; the confirmation of state plans of economic 
and social development, as well as of the state budget of the 
autonomous republic; the formation of organs accountable to the 
Supreme Soviet of the autonomous republic - belong to the 
exclusive competence of the Supreme Soviet of the autonomous 
republic.
  Laws of an autonomous republic are adopted by the Supreme Soviet 
of the autonomous republic.

Article 144.  The Supreme Soviet of an autonomous republic elects 
the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the autonomous republic and 
sets up the Council of Ministers of the autonomous republic - the 
Government of the autonomous republic.

Chapter XIX.  Local Organs of State Power and Administration

Article 145.  The organs of state power in the territories, 
provinces, autonomous provinces, autonomous areas, districts, 
cities, city-districts, settlements, and rural settlements are the 
corresponding Soviets of People's Deputies.

Article 146.  Local Soviets of People's Deputies resolve all 
questions of local importance, keeping in mind general state 
interests and the interests of the citizens living in the 
territory of the Soviet, implement the decisions of higher state 
organs, direct the activity of lower-level Soviets of People's 
Deputies, and also participate in the discussion of questions of 
republic and all-union importance, and submit proposals concerning 
these questions.
  Within their territory, local Soviets of People's Deputies 
direct state, economic, and socio-cultural organisation; confirm 
plans of economic and social development and the local budget; 
exercise leadership over the activities of state organs, 
enterprises, institutions, and organisations, subordinate to them; 
ensure observance of laws, the protection of state and public 
order and of the rights of citizens; and promote the strengthening 
of the defense capability of the country.

Article 147.  Within the limits of their authority, local Soviets 
of People's Deputies ensure integrated economic and socal 
development within their territory; supervise the observance of 
legislation by enterprises, institutions, and organisations 
subordinate to higher bodies and located on this territory; 
coordinate and supervise their activities in the fields of land 
use, protection of nature, construction, utlisation of labour 
resources, production of consumer goods, and socio-cultural 
services, services for everyday needs, and other services for the 
population.

Article 148.  Local Soviets of People's Deputies adopt decisions 
within limits of the authority granted to them by the legislation 
of the USSR, the union republic, and the autonomous republic.  The 
execution of decisions of local Soviets is obligatory for all 
enterprises, institutions, and organisations localed on the 
territory of the Soviet, as well as for officials and citizens.

Article 149.  The executive committees elected by the local 
Soviets from among their deputies are the executive and 
administrative organs of the local Soviets of People's Deputies.
  Executive committees report at lesat once a year to the Soviets 
which have elected them, as well as at meetings of labour 
collectives and at citizens' places of residence.

Article 150.  Executive commitees of local Soviets of People's 
Deputies are directly accountable to teh Soviet which has also 
elected them, as well as to the higher executive administrative 
organ.

        VII.  THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE, ARBITRATION, AND 
                     PROCURATORIAL SUPERVISION

                Chapter XX.  Courts and Arbitration.

Article 151.  Justice in the USSR is administered only by the 
courts.
  In the USSR function the Supreme Court of the USSR; Supreme 
Courts of union republics; Supreme Courts of autonomous republics; 
territorial, provincial, and city courts; courts of autonomous 
provinces; courts of autonomous areas; district (city) people's 
courts; as well as military tribunals in the Armed Forces.

Article 152.  All courts in the USSR are formed on the principle 
that judges and people's assessors are elected.
  People's judges of district (city) people's courts are elected 
for a term of five years by secret ballot by the citizens of the 
district (city) on the basis of universal, equal, and direct 
suffrage.  People's assessors of district (city) people's courts 
are elected for a term of two and a half years by open ballot at 
meetings of citizens at their place of work or residenec.
  Higher courts are elected for a term of five years by the 
corresponding Soviets of People's Deputies.
  Judges of military tribunals are elected for a term of five 
years by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of hte USSR, and 
people's assessors for a term of two and a half years by meetings 
of servicemen.
  Judges and people's assessors are responsible to their 
constituents or to the organs which have elected them, report to 
them, and may be recalled by them in the manner established by 
law.

Article 153.  The Supreme Court of the USSR is the supreme 
judicial organ of the USSR and supervises the judicial activities 
of the courts of the USSR, as well as of the courts of the union 
republics within the limits established by law.
  The Supreme Court of the USSR is elected by the Supreme Soviet 
of the USSR and consists of the chairman, his deputies, members, 
and people's assessors.  The chairmen of the Supreme Courts of the 
union republics are members of the Supreme Court of the USSR by 
virtue of their office.
  The organisation and manner of operation of the Supreme Court of 
the USSR are defined by the Law on the Supreme Court of the USSR.

Article 154.  In all courts, civil and criminal cases are 
considered by a panel; in the court of the first instance - with 
the participation of people's assessors.  In the administration of 
justice, people's assessors enjoy all the rights of a judge.

Article 155.  Judges and poeple's assessors are independent and 
subject only to law.

Article 156.  Justice is administered in hte USSR on the principle 
of the equality of the citizens before the law nad the court.

Article 157.  The examination of cases in all courts is open.  The 
hearing of cases in a closed session of the court is permitted 
only in cases established by law and with the observance of all 
the rules of court procedure.

Article 158.  The accused is assured the right to defense.

Article 159.  Judicial proceedings are conducted in teh language 
of the union republic or autonomous republic, of the autonomous 
province, the autonomous area, or the language of the majority of 
the population of the given locality.  The right fully to 
familiarise oneself with the materials of the case, participation 
in court proceedings through an interpreter, and the right to 
address the court in one's native language are ensured to persons 
who take part in a case and do not master the language in which 
the proceedings are conducted.

Article 160.  No one may be convicted of the commission of a 
crime, as well as be subjected to criminal punishment other than 
by a judgement of the court and in accordance with the law.

Article 161.  There are colleges of advocates to render legal 
assistance to citizens and organisations.  In cases provided for 
by legislation, citizens receive legal assistance free of charge.
  The organisation and manner of operation of the Bar are defined 
by legislation of the USSR and union republics.

Article 162.  The participation of representatives of social 
organisations and labour collectives is permitted in judicial 
proceedings in civil and criminal cases.

Article 163.  Economic disputes between enterprises, institutions, 
and organisations are resolved by the organs of state arbitration 
within the limits of their competence.
  The organisation and manner of operation of the organs of state 
arbitration are defined by the Law on State Arbitration of the 
USSR.

               Chapter XXI.  The Procuracy.

Article 164.  The Procurator General of the USSR and his 
subordinate procurators are charged with the supreme supervision 
over the exact and uniform execution of hte law by all ministries, 
state committees, and departments, enterprises, institutions, and 
organisations, executive and administrative organs of local 
Soviets of People's Deputies, collective farms, cooperative and 
otehr social organisations, officials, as well as citizens.

Article 165.  The Procurator General of the USSR is appointed by 
the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, is responsible and accountable to 
it, and during the time between the sessions of the Supreme 
Soviet, to the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of teh USSR, to 
whom he is accountable.

Article 166.  The procurators of the union republics, autonomous 
republics, territories, provinces, and autonomous provinces are 
appoitned by the Procurator General of the USSR.  The procurators 
of autonomous areas and districts and city procurators are 
appointed by the procurators of the union republics and confirmed 
by the Procurator General of the USSR.

Article 167.  The term of office of the Procurator General of the 
USSR and all procurators of lower rank is five years.

Article 168.  The organs of the Procuracy exercise their powers 
independently from any local organs whatsoever and are subordinate 
only to the Procurator General of the USSR.
  The organisation and manner of operation of the organs of hte 
Procuracy are defined by the Law on the Procuracy of the USSR.

   VIII.  THE ARMS, FLAG, ANTHEM, AND CAPITAL OF THE USSR

Article 169.  The state arms of the Union of Soviet Socialist 
Republics consists of a representation of a sickle and hammer 
against the background of a globe, in the rays of hte sun and 
framed by ears of grain, with an inscription in the languages of 
the union republics: "Proletarians of All Countries, Unite!".  
There is a five-pointed star in the upper part of the arms.

Article 170.  The state flag of the Union of Soviet Socialist 
Republics consists of a rectangular red cloth with a 
representation in its upper corner, near the staff, of a golden 
sickle and hammer, and over them a red five-pointed star, edged in 
gold.  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.

IX.  THE OPERATION OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE USSR AND THE 
              PROCEDURE FOR ITS AMENDMENT

Article 173.  The Constitution of the USSR has supreme legal 
force.  All laws and other acts of state organs aer issued on the 
basis of and in accordance with the Constitution of the USSR.

Article 174.  The Constitution of the USSR is 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.

[EOF .. whew.]

