🎯 Main Thesis

• The 1936 Stalin Constitution was the most influential in Soviet history, building on 1918 & 1924 constitutions but introducing major reforms that lasted until Gorbachev.
• It created a complex, federal, and highly structured government with progressive suffrage laws — while maintaining one-party dominance and restricting right-wing political activity.

1️⃣ Pre-Stalin Structure (1918–1936)

• 1917 Revolution: Bolsheviks overthrow Provisional Government → dissolve Constituent Assembly.
• Replace it with:
  1. All-Russian Congress of Soviets (supreme lawmaking body).
  2. All-Russian Central Executive Committee (VTsIK) (ran government between congresses).
  3. Council of People’s Commissars (CPC) — executive branch (ministries = “commissariats”).
• Structure was ad hoc in 1917; formalized in 1924 constitution.
• 1923: USSR formed — union of multiple republics.

2️⃣ 1936 Constitution Reforms

• Replaced Congress of Soviets with Supreme Soviet — highest legislative organ.
• Bicameral chambers (equal power):
  • Soviet of the Union — 1 deputy per 300,000 citizens (4-year terms).
  • Soviet of Nationalities — representation by federal unit:
    • 25 per union republic.
    • 11 per autonomous republic.
    • 5 per autonomous region.
    • 1 per national area.
• Purpose: Guarantee national representation & rights — counter “Prison House of Nations” legacy from Tsarist Russia.

3️⃣ Supreme Soviet & Presidium

• Supreme Soviet elects Presidium at joint session:
  • 1 president, 16 vice presidents, 1 secretary, 24 members.
• Role: Convene sessions, interpret laws, issue decrees, call special sessions.
• Sessions normally held twice yearly; could be called by Presidium or republic request.