Constitution Of The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

Amended to December 19, 1969

(Article 1 to Article 75) | Article 76 to Article 146
Chapter 1
THE SOCIAL STRUCTURE

Article 1

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is a socialist state of workers and peasants.

Article 2

The political foundation of the U.S.S.R. is the Soviets of Working People's Deputies, which grew and became strong as a result of the overthrow of the power of landlords and capitalists and the conquest of dictatorship of the proetariat.

Article 3

All power in the U.S.S.R. belongs to the working people of town and country as represented by the Soviets of Working People's Deputies.

Article 4

The economic foundation of the U.S.S.R. is the socialist system of economy and the socialist ownership of the intruments and means of production, firmly established as a result of the liquidation of the capitalist system of economy, the abolition of private ownership of the instruments and means of production, and the elimination of the exploitation of man by man.

Article 5

Socialist property in the U.S.S.R. exists either in the form of state property (belonging to the whole people) or in the form of co-operative and collective farm property (property of collective farms, property of co-operative societies).

Article 6

The land, its mineral wealth, waters, forests, mills, factories, mines, rail, water and air transport, banks, communications, large state-organized agricultural enterprises (state farms, machine and tractor stations and the like), as well as municipal enterprises and the bulk of the dwelling-houses in the cities and industrial localities, are state property, that is, belonging to the whole people.

Article 7

The common enterprises of collective farms and co-operative organizations, with their livestock and implements, the products of collective farms and co-operative organizations, as well as their common buildings, constitute the common socialist property of the collective farms and co-operative organizations. Every household in a collective far, in addition to its basic income from the common, collective-farm enterprises, has for its personal use a small plot of household land and, as its personal property, a subsidiary husbandry on the plot, a dwelling-house, livestock, poultry and minor agricultural implements -- in accordance with the rules of the agricultural artel.

Article 8

The land occupied by collective farms is secured to them for their use free of charge and for an unlimited time, that is, in perpetuity.

Article 9

Alongside the socialist system of economy, which is the predominant form of economy in the U.S.S.R., the law permits the small private economy of individual peasants and handi- craftsmen based on their own labor and precluding the exploitation of the labor of others.

Article 10

The personal property right of citizens in their incomes and savings from work, in their dwelling-houses and subsidiary home enterprises, in articles of domestic economy and use articles of perconal use and convenience, as well as the right of citizens to inherit personal property, is protected by law.

Article 11

The economic life of the U.S.S.R. is determined and directed by the state national-economic plan, with the aim of increasing the public wealth, of steadily raising the material and cultural standards of the working people, of consolidating the independence of the U.S.S.R., and strengthening its defensive capability.

Article 12

Work in the U.S.S.R. is a duty and a matter of honor for every able-bodied citizen, in accordance with the principle: "He who does not work, neither shall he eat." The principle applied in the U.S.S.R. is that of socialism: "From each according to his ability, to each according to his work."

Chapter II

The State Structure

Article 13

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is a federal state, formed on the basis of a voluntary union of equal Soviet Socialist Republics, namely:

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 Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic
The Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic
The Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic
The Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic
The Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic
The Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic
The Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic
The Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic
The Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic

Article 14

The jurisdiction of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, as represented by its higher organs of state power and organs of state administration embraces:

a) Representation of the U.S.S.R. in international relations, conclusion ratification and denunciation of treaties of the U.S.S.R. with other states, establishment of general procedure governing the relations of Union Republics with foreign states;
b) Questions of war and peace;
c) Admission of new republics into the U.S.S.R.;
d) Control over observance of the Constitution of the U.S.S.R., and ensuring conformity of the Constitutions of the Union Republics with the constitution of the U.S.S.R.;
e) Confirmation of alterations of boundaries between Union Republics;
f) Confirmation of the formation of new Autonomous Republics and Autonomous Regions within Union Republics;
g) Organization of the defense of the U.S.S.R., direction of all the Armed Forces of the U.S.S.R., determination of directing principles governing the organization of the military formations of the Union Republics;
h) Foreign trade on the basis of state monopoly;
i) Safeguarding the security of the state;
j) Determination of the national-economic plan of the U.S.S.R.;
k) Approval of the consolidated state budget of the U.S.S.R. and of the report on its fulfillment; determination of the taxes and revenues which go to the Union, the Republics, and the local budgets;
l) Administration of the banks, industrial and agricultural institutions and enterprises and also trading enterprises of all- Union importance;
m) Administration of transport and communications of all-Union importance;
n) Direction of monetary and credit system;
o) Organization of state insurance;
p) Contracting and granting of loans;
q) Determination of the basic principles of land tenure and of the use of mineral wealth, forests and waters;
r) Determination of the basic principles in spheres of education and public health;
s) Organization of a uniform system of national-economic statistics;
t) Determination of the fundamental principles of labor legislation;
u) Determination of the fundamental principles of legislation concerning the judicial system and judicial procedure; and of the fundamental principles of criminal and civil correctional penal legiclation;
v) Legislation concerning Union citizenship; legislation concerning rights of foreigners;
w) Determination of the fundamental principles of legislation concerning marriage and the family;
x) Issuing of all-Union acts of amnesty.

Article 15

The sovereignty of the Union Republics is limited only in the spheres defined in Article 14 of the Constitution of the U.S.S.R. Outside of these spheres each Union Republic exercises state authority independently. The U.S.S.R. protects the sovereign rights of the Union Republics.

Article 16

Each Union Republic has its own Constitution, which takes account of the specific features of the Republic and is drawn up in full confority with the Constitution of the U.S.S.R.

Article 17

The right to freely secede from the U.S.S.R. is reserved to every Union Republic.

Article 18

The territory of a Union Republic may not be altered without its consent

Article 18-a

Each Union Republic has the right to enter into direct relations with foreign states and to conclude agreements and exchange diplomatic and consular representatives with them.

Article 18-b

Each Union Republic has its own Republican military formations.

Article 19

The laws of the U.S.S.R. have the same force within the territory of every Union Republic.

Article 20

In the event of divergence between the law of a Union Republic and a law of the Union, the Union law prevails.

Article 21

Uniform Union Citizenship is established for citizens of the U.S.S.R. Every citizen of a Union Republic is a citizen of the U.S.S.R.

Article 22

The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic includes the Bashkir, Buryat, Daghestan, Kabardinian-Balkar, Kalmyk, Karelian, Komi, Mari, Mordovian, North Ossetian, Tatar, Tuva, Udmurt, Chechen-Ingush, Chuvash and Yakut Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republics; and the Adygei, Gorno-Altai, Jewish, Karachayevo- Cherkess, and Khakass Autonomous Provinces.

Article 23

[Deleted, February 11, 1957]

Article 24

The Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic includes the Nakhichevan Autonomus Soviet Socialist Republic and the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Province.

Article 25

The Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic includes the Abkhazian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, the Adjar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic and the South Ossetian Autonomous Province.

Article 26

The Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic includes the Kara-Kalpak Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.

Article 27

The Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic includes the Gorno- Badakhshan Autonomous Province.

Article 28

Decision of questions relating to the provincial and territorial administrative structure of Union Republics is within the competence of Union Republics.

Article 29

[Deleted February 11, 1957]

Article 29-a

[Deleted February 11, 1957]

Article 29-b

[Deleted February 11, 1957]

Chapter III

The Higher Organs Of State Power in The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

Article 30

The highest organ of state power in the U.S.S.R. is the Supremem Soviet of the U.S.S.R.

Article 31

The Supremem Soviet of the U.S.S.R. exercises all rights vested in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in accordance with Article 14 of the Constitution, in so far as they do not, by virtue of the Constitution, come within the jurisdiction of organs of the U.S.S.R. that are accountable to the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R., and the Ministries of the U.S.S.R.

Article 32

The legislative power of the U.S.S.R. is exercised exclusively by the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R.

Article 33

The Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. consists of two Chambers; the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities.

Article 34

The Soviet of the Union is elected by the citizens of the U.S.S.R. voting by election districts on the basis of on deputy for every 300,000 of the population.

Article 35

The Soviet of Nationalities is elected by the citizens of the U.S.S.R. voting by Union Republics, Autonomous Republics, Autonomous Provinces and National Districts on the basis of 32 deputies from each Union Republic, 11 deputies from each Autonomous Republic, 5 deputies from each Autonomous Province and one deputy from each National District.

Article 36

The Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. is elected for a term of four years.

Article 37

The two Chambers of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities, have equal rights.

Article 38

The Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities have equal power to initiate legislation.

Article 39

A law is considered adopted if passed by both Chambers of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. by simple majority vote in each.

Article 40

Laws passed by the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. are published in the languages of the Union Republics over the signatures of the President and Secretary of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R.

Article 41

Sessions of the Soviet of the Union and of the Soviet of the Nationalities begin and terminate simultaneously.

Article 42

The Soviet of the Union elects a Chairman of the Soviet of the Union and a Vice-Chairman.

Article 43

The Soviet of the Nationalities elects a Chairman of the Soviet of the Nationalities and four Vice-Chairmen.

Article 44

The Chairmen of the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of the Nationalities preside at the sittings of the respective Chambers and have charges of the conduct of their business and proceedings.

Article 45

Joint sittings of the two Chambers of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. are presided over alternatively by the Chairman of the Soviet of the Union and the Chairman of the Soviet of the Nationalities.

Article 46

Sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. are convened by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. twice a year. Extraordinary sessions are convened by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. at its discretion or on the demand of one of the Union Republics.

Article 47

In the event of disagreement between the Soviet of the Unions and the Soviet of the Nationalities, the question is referred for settlement to a conciliation commission formed by the Chambers on a party basis. If a conciliation committee fails to arrive at an agreement, or if its decision fails to satisfy one of the Chambers, the question is considered for a second time by the Chambers. Failing agreement between the two Chambers, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. dissolves the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. and orders new elections.

Article 48

The Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. at a joint sitting of the two Chambers elects the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., consisting of a President of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., fifteen Vice Presidents -- one for each of the Union Republics -- a Secretary of the Presidium, and twenty members of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. is accountable to the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. for all its activities.

Article 49

The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R.:

a) Convenes the sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R.;
b) Issues decrees;
c) Give interpretations of the laws of the U.S.S.R. in operation; d) Dissolves the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. in conformity with Article 47 of the Constitution of the U.S.S.R. and orders new elections;
e) Conduct nation-wide polls (referendums) on its own initiative or on the demand of one of the Union Republics;
f) Annuls decisions and orders of the Council of Ministries of the U.S.S.R. and of the Councils of Ministers of the Union Republics if they do not conform to the law;
g) In the intervals between sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., releases and appoints Ministers of the U.S.S.R. on the recommendation of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R., subject to subsequent confirmation by the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R.;
h) Institutes decorations (Orders and Medals) and titles of honor of the U.S.S.R.;
i) Awards Orders and Medals and confers titles of honor of the U.S.S.R.;
j) Exercises the right of pardon;
k) Institutes military titles, diplomatic ranks, and other special titles;
l) Appoints and removes the high command of the Armed Forces of the U.S.S.R.;
m) In the intervals between sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., proclaims a state of war in the event of military attack on the U.S.S.R., or when necessary to fulfill international treaty obligations concerning mutual defense against aggression;
n) Order general or partial mobilization;
o) Ratifies and denounces international treaties of the U.S.S.R.
p) Appoints and recalls plenipotentiary representatives of the U.S.S.R. to foreign states;
q) Receives the letters of credence and recall of diplomatic representatives accredited to it by foreign states;
r) Proclaims martial law in separate localities or througout the U.S.S.R. in the interests of defense of the U.S.S.R. or of the maintenance of public order and the security of the state.

Article 50

The Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of the Nationalities elect Credentials Committees to verify the credentials of the members of the respective Chambers. On the report of the Credentials Committees, the Chambers decide whether to recognize the credentials of deputies or to annul their election.

Article 51

The Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., when it deems necessary, appoints commissions of investigation and audit on any matter. It is the duty of all institutions and officials to comply with the demands of such commissions and to submit to them all necessary materials and documents.

Article 52

A member of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. may not be prosecuted or arrested without the consent of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., or, when the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. is not in session, without the consent of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R.

Article 53

On the expiration of the term of office of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., or its dissolution prior to the expiration of its term of office, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. retains its powers until the newly-elected Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. shall have formed a new Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R.

Article 54

On the expiration of the term of office of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., or in the event of its dissolution prior to the expiration of its term of office, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. orders new elections to be held within a period not exceeding two months from the date of expiration of the term of office or dissolution of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R.

Article 55

The newly-elected Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. is convened by the outgoing Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. not later than three months after the elections.

Article 56

The Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., at a joint sitting of the two Chambers, appoints the Government of the U.S.S.R., namely, the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.

Chapter IV

The Higher Organs Of State Power In the Union Republics

Article 57

The highest organ of state power in a Union Republic is the Supreme Soviet of the Union Republic.

Article 58

The Supreme Soviet of a Union Republic is elected by the citizens of the republic for a term of four years. The bvasis of representation is established by the Constitution of the Union Republic.

Article 59

The Supreme Soviet of a Union Republic is the sole legislative organ of the Republic.

Article 60

The Supreme Soviet of a Union Republic:

a) Adopts the Constitution of the Republic and amends it in conformity with Article 16 of the Constitution of the U.S.S.R.;
b) Confirms the Constitutions of the Autonomous Republics forming part of it and defines the boundaries of their territories;
c) Approves the economic plan and budget of the Republic;
d) Exercises the right of amnesty and pardon of citizens sentenced by the judicial organs of the Union Republic;
e) Decides questions of representation of the Union Republic in its international relations;
f) Determines the manner of organizing the Republic's military formations.

Article 61

The Supreme Soviet of a Union Republic elects the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Union Republic, consisting of a President of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Union Republic, Vice- Presidents, a Secretary of the Presidium and members of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Union Republic. The powers of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Union Republic are defined by the Constitution of the Union Republic.

Article 62

The Supreme Soviet of a Union Republic elects a Chairman and Vice Chairmen to conduct its sittings.

Article 63

The Supreme Soviet of a Union Republic appoints the Government of the Union Republic, namely, the Council of Ministers of the Union Republic.

Chapter V

The Organs Of State Administration Of The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

Article 64

The highest executive and administrative organ of the state power of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.

Article 65

The Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R. is responsible and accountable to the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., or, in the intervals between sessions of the Supreme Soviet, to the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R.

Article 66

The Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R. issues decisions and orders on the basis and in pursuance of the laws in operation, and verifies their execution.

Article 67

Decisions and orders of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R. are binding throughout the territory of the U.S.S.R.

Article 68

The Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.:

a) Co-ordinates and directs the work of all-Union and Union- Republic Ministers of the U.S.S.R. and of the State Committees of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R. and of other institutions under its jurisdiction;
b) Adopts measures to carry out the national-economic plan and the state budget, and to strengthen the credit and monetary system;
c) Adopts measures for the maintenance of public order, for the protection of the interest of the state, and for the safeguarding of the rights of the citizens;
d) Exercises general guidance in the sphere of relations with foreign nations;
e) Fixes the annual contingent of citizens to be called up for military service and directs the general organization of the Armed Forces of the country;
f) Sets up State Committees of the U.S.S.R. and whenever necessary, special Committees and Central Administrations under the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R. for economic and cultural affairs and defense.

Article 69

The Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R. has the right, in in respect of those branches of administration and economy which come within the jurisdiction of the U.S.S.R., to suspend decisions and orders and instructions of Ministers of the U.S.S.R. and also administravive acts of other institutions subject to their jurisdiction.

Article 70

The Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R. is appointed by the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. and consists of:

The Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.;
The First Vice-Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.;
The Vice-Chairmen of the Council of Minister of the U.S.S.R.;
The Ministers of the U.S.S.R.;
The Chairman of the State Planning Committee of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.;
The Chairman of the State Committee for Construction of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.;
The Chairman of the State Committee for Material-Technical supply of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.;
The Chairman of the Committee of People's Control of the U.S.S.R.;
The Chairman of the State Committee on Labor and Wages of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.;
The Chairman of the State Committee for Science and Technique of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.;
The Chairman of the State Committee for Professional-Technical Education of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.;
The Chairman of the State Committee for Forestry of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.;
The Chairman of the State Committee for Foreign Economic Relations of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.;
The Chairman of the State Committee for State Security attached to the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.;
The Chairman of the all-Union Combine "Soiuzselkhoztehknika" of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.;
The Chairman of the Borad of the U.S.S.R. State Bank;
The Director of the Central Statistical Administration attached to the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.;
The Chairmen of the Union Republic Council of Ministers are members ex officio of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.

Article 71

The Government of the U.S.S.R. or a Minister of the U.S.S.R. to whom a question of a member of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. is addressed must give verbal or written reply in the respective Chamber within a period not to exceed three days.

Article 72

The Minister of the U.S.S.R. direct the branches of state administration which come within the jurisdiction of the U.S.S.R.

Article 73

The Ministers of the U.S.S.R., within the limits of the jurisdiction of their respective Ministries, issue orders and instructions on the basis and in pursuance of the laws in operation, and also the decisions and orders of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R., and verify their execution.

Article 74

The Ministries of the U.S.S.R. are either all-Union or Union-Republic Ministeries.

Article 75

Each all-Union Ministry directs the branch of state administration entrusted to it throughout the territory of the U.S.S.R. either directly or through bodies appointed to it.

(Article 1 to Article 75) | Article 76 to Article 146