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FUNDAMENTAL LAW OF THE UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS

Chapter 1. THE SOCIAL STRUCTURE

Article 1 The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is a sovereign socialist state of workers and peasants, whose constitution comprises this Fundamental Law and in other Constitutional Acts.

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 the landlords and capitalists and the conquest of the dictatorship of the proletariat.

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.

Federal legislative power is exercised by the Supreme Soviet together with the President of the Union.

Federal executive power is vested in the President of the Union. In addition, there shall be a Council of Ministers for the General Government of the Union.

Judicial power is exercised by independent courts of law, namely, the Supreme Court of the U.S.S.R., the High Courts of the Union Republics, the Courts of the Territories, Provinces, Autonomous Republics, Autonomous Provinces and Areas, the Special Courts of the U.S.S.R. established by decision of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., and the People's Courts, with the Supreme Court at the head.

Article 4 The economic foundation of the U.S.S.R. is the socialist system of economy and the socialist ownership of the instruments 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, belong to the whole people.

Article 7 The common enterprises of collective farms and co-operative organizations, with their live-stock and implements, the products of the 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 farm, in addition to its basic income from the common, collective-farm enterprise, 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, live-stock, 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 an 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 handicraftsmen based on their own labour and precluding the exploitation of the labour 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 and articles of personal 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 capacity.

Article 12 Work in the U.S.S.R. is a duty and a matter of honour 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 Azerbaijani Soviet Socialist Republic The Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic The Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic The Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic The Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic The Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic The Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic The Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic The Karelo-Finnish Soviet Socialist Republic The Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic The Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic The Latvian 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 the 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 defence of the U.S.S.R., direction of all the Armed Forces of the U.S.S.R., determination of directing principles territory of governing the organization of the military formations of the Union Republics; Foreign trade on the basis of state monopoly; i) Safeguarding the security of the state; j) Determination of the national-economic plans 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 fulfilment; determination of the taxes and revenues which go to the Union, the Republican and the local budgets; l) Administration of the banks, industrial and agricultural institutions and enterprises and also trading enterprises of all-Union subordination; general guidance of industry and construction of Union-Republic importance; m) Administration of transport and communications of all-Union importance; n) Direction of the 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 the spheres of education and public health; s) Organization of a uniform system of national-economic statistics; t) Determination of the fundamental principles of labour 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 legislation; o) Legislation concerning Union citizenship; legislation concerning Wi 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 conformity with the Constitution of the U.S.S.R.

Article 17 The right freely to 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 a 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 Autonomous 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 27-a The Karelo-Finnish Soviet Socialist Republic includes the Åland Islands Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic and the Lapland 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 Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R.

Article 31 The Supreme 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., that is, the Presidium of 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 one deputy for every 500,000 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 11 deputies from each Union Republic, 4 deputies from each Autonomous Republic, 2 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 the Nationalities, have equal rights, subject to the provisions of the Constitution of the U.S.S.R.

Article 38 Legislation to raise revenue and to appropriate funds must be initiated in the Soviet of the Union.

In all other cases, The Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities have equal powers to initiate legislation.

Article 39 A law is considered adopted if passed by both Chambers of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR by a simple majority vote in each and promulgated by the President of the Union.

Article 40 Laws promulgated by the President of the Union are published in the languages of the Union Republics over the signatures of the President of the Union and the 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 Nationalities begin and terminate simultaneously.

Article 42 The Soviet of the Union elects a Chairman of the Soviet of the Union and four Vice-Chairmen.

Article 43 The First Vice-President of the Union is ex officio Chairman of the Soviet of Nationalities.

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

Article 44 The Chairmen of the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities preside at the sittings of the respective Chambers and have charge 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 by the the President of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R.

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 President of the Union at his discretion, or on the demand of one-tenth of the members of either Chambers or of one of the Union Republics.

Article 47 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 party basis.

If the conciliation commission 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. may dissolve the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. and order 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., sixteen Vice-Presidents--one for each of the Union Republics--a Secretary of the Presidium and sixteen 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 [Deleted October 14, 1955]

Article 50 The Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of 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 on 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 President of the Union 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.

In the event of the dissolution of one of the Chambers of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. prior to the expiration of the term of office of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., the President of the Union orders new elections to be held within a period not exceeding two months from the date of dissolution of the Chamber.

Article 55 The newly-elected Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. is convened by the President of the Union not later than three months after the elections.

Article 56 [Deleted October 14, 1955]

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 basis 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 the budget of the Republic; d) forms economic and administrative regions of the Republic; e) Exercises the right of amnesty of citizens sentenced by the judicial organs of the Union Republic; f) Decides questions of representation of the Union Republic in its international relations; g) 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.

Article 62 The Supreme Soviet of a Union Republic elects a Chairman and Vice-Chairmen to conduct its sittings.

Chapter V THE ORGANS OF STATE ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS

Article 63 The President of the Union is elected by an electoral college from among citizens of the U.S.S.R. by birth for a term of six years.

The electoral college is elected by the citizens of the U.S.S.R. on the basis of one elector for every 500,000 of the population, 11 electors for each Union Republic, 4 electors for each Autonomous Republic, 2 electors for each Autonomous Province and one deputy for each National District. In choosing the electoral college, the regulations in force for elections to the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. shall be observed in respect to suffrage and eligibility, and, in so far as applicable, also to the mode of election, the procedure of voting, and the designation of deputy electors.

The election of electors shall take place on the fifteenth of January; and on the fifteenth of February following the electors shall assemble, under the chairmanship of the President of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., to elect the President of the Union.

If one of the candidates receives more than half of the votes cast in the election, he shall be elected President of the Union. If no one receives that majority prescribed, a new election shall be held in which the candidates shall be the two persons who received the greatest number of votes in the first election. The candidate receiving the majority of votes in this second election shall be elected President of the Union. If the votes are divided equally the election shall be decided by the drawing of lots.

If a member of any Soviet of Working People's Deputies or a person holding any other state office is elected president, he shall cease to serve as a Member of that Soviet or in that office upon assuming office as President.

Article 63-a The President of the Union shall enter upon his duties on the first day of the month of March following his election, and in the presence of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., at a joint sitting of the two Chambers, shall make at this time the following solemn vow:

"I, (full name), elected by the Soviet people as President of the U.S.S.R, do hereby vow that in the exercise of my presidential functions I will truly and faithfully obey and uphold the constitution and the laws of the Union, and that I will to my utmost power promote the welfare of the Soviet people."

Article 63-b If the President of the Union is prevented from fulfilling his functions, these shall be exercised by the First Vice-President of the Union. If his disability is lasting, a new President shall be elected as soon as possible, who shall enter upon his duties immediately after the election, and continue in them for the remainder of his predecessor's term of office.

Article 63-c For the exercise of his functions the President shall receive an annual remuneration, the amount of which shall be fixed by law, which amount shall be neither increased nor diminished during his term of office.

Article 63-d The President of the Union: a) Convenes the sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R.; b) Issues decrees; c) Gives 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) Conducts nation-wide polls (referendums) on his own initiative or on the demand of one of the Union Republics; f) Annuls decisions and orders of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R. and of the Councils of Ministers of the Union Republics if they do not conform to law; g) Releases and appoints the First Vice-President of the Union, subject to subsequent confirmation by the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R.; h) Releases and appoints Vice-Presidents of the Union, Ministers of the U.S.S.R., and other members of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R., on the recommendation of the First Vice-President of the Union, subject to subsequent confirmation by the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R.; i) Institutes decorations (Orders and Medals) and titles of honour of the U.S.S.R.; j) Awards Orders and Medals and confers titles of honour of the U.S.S.R.; k) Exercises the right of pardon; l) Institutes military titles, diplomatic ranks and other special titles; m) Appoints and removes the high command of the Armed Forces of the U.S.S.R.; n) 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 fulfil international treaty obligations concerning mutual defence against aggression; o) Orders general or partial mobilization; p) Ratifies and denounces international treaties of the U.S.S.R.; q) Appoints and recalls plenipotentiary representatives of the U.S.S.R. to foreign states; r) Receives the letters of credence and recall of diplomatic representatives accredited to him by foreign states; s) Proclaims martial law in separate localities or throughout the U.S.S.R. in the interests of the defence of the U.S.S.R. or of the maintenance of public order and the security of the state.

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 the Supreme Council of National

Economy U.S.S.R. of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R. and of the all-Union and Union-Republican Ministries 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 interests of the state, and for the safeguarding of the rights of citizens; d) Exercises general guidance in the sphere of relations with foreign states; 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 also whenever necessary, special Committees and Central Administrations under the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R. for economic and cultural affairs and defence.

Article 69 The Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R. has the right, 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 of the Councils of Ministers of the Union Republic, to annul orders and instructions of Ministers of the U.S.S.R. and also administrative acts of other institutions subject to their jurisdiction.

Article 70 The Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R. consists of: The President of the Union, who is ex officio Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.; The First Vice-President of the Union, who is ex officio First Vice-Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R., that is, the Premier of the U.S.S.R.; The Vice-Presidents and ex officio Vice-Presidents of the Union, who are ex officio Vice-Chairmen of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.; The Ministers of the U.S.S.R.; The Chairman of the Council of National Economy of the U.S.S.R.; The Chairman of the State Council for Construction of the U.S.S.R.; The Chairman of the State Planning Committee of the U.S.S.R.; The Chairman of the Committee of Party-State Control of the Central Committee of the C.P.S.U. and of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.; The Chairman of the State Committee on Labour and Wages; The Chairman of the State Committee for the Coordination of Scientific Research Work of the U.S.S.R.; The Chairman of the U.S.S.R. Council of Ministers' State Committee for Radio Broadcasting and Television; The Chairman of the U.S.S.R. Council of Ministers' State Committee for the Moving Picture Industry; The Chairman of the U.S.S.R. Council of Ministers' State Committee for the Press. The Chairman of the U.S.S.R. Council of Ministers' State Committee for Trade; The Chairman of the U.S.S.R. Council of Ministers' State Committee for Grain Procurement; The Chairman of the U.S.S.R. Council of Ministers' State Committee for Foreign Economic Relations; The Chairman of the U.S.S.R. Council of Ministers' State Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries; The Chairman of the U.S.S.R. Council of Ministers' State Committee for State Security; The Governor of the U.S.S.R. State Bank; The Director of the U.S.S.R. Council of Ministers' Central Statistical Administration.

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 a verbal or written reply in the respective Chamber within a period not exceeding three days.

Article 72 The Ministers 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 of 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-Republican Ministries.

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 by it.

Article 76 The Union-Republican Ministries, as a rule, direct the branches of state administration entrusted to them through corresponding Ministries of the Union Republics; they administer directly only a definite and limited number of enterprises according to a list confirmed by the President of the Union.

Article 77 The following Ministries are all-Union Ministries: Foreign Trade Merchant Marine Transportation

Article 78 The following Ministries are Union-Republican Ministries: Higher and Specialized Secondary Education Public Health Foreign Affairs Culture Defense Communications Agriculture Finance

Chapter VI THE ORGANS OF STATE ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNION REPUBLICS

Article 78-a The President of a Union Republic is elected by by the citizens of the Republic from among citizens of the U.S.S.R. by birth resident in the Republic for a term of four years.

The method of election is defined by the Constitution of the Union Republic.

If a member of any Soviet of Working People's Deputies or a person holding any other state office is elected president, he shall cease to serve as a Member of that Soviet or in that office upon assuming office as President.

Article 78-b The Presidents of the Union Republics are ex officio Vice-Presidents of the Union.

Article 78-c The powers of the President of a Union Republic are defined by the Constitution of the Union Republic.

Article 79 The highest executive and administrative organ of the state power of a Union Republic is the Council of Ministers of the Union Republic.

Article 80 The Council of Ministers of a Union Republic is responsible and accountable to the Supreme Soviet of the Union Republic and to the President of the Union Republic.

Article 81 The Council of Ministers of a Union Republic issues decisions and orders on the basis and in pursuance of the laws in operation of the U.S.S.R. and of the Union Republic, and of the decisions and orders of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R., and verifies their execution.

Article 82

The Council of Ministers of a Union Republic has the right to suspend decisions and orders of the Councils of Ministers of its Autonomous Republics, annul decisions and orders of the Executive Committees of the Soviets of Working People's Deputies of its Territories, Provinces and Autonomous Provinces, and also decisions and orders of the Republic Council of National Economy and of the Councils of National Economy of the economic administrative regions of the Republic.

Article 83 The Council of Ministers of a Union Republic is appointed by the Supreme Soviet of the Union Republic and consists of: The President of the Union Republic, who is ex officio Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Union Republic, that is, the Premier of the Union Republic; The Vice-Presidents of the Union Republic, who are ex officio Vice-Chairmen of the Council of Ministers; The Ministers; The Chairmen of the State Committees, Commissions, and Directors of the other departments of the Council of Ministers, organized by the Supreme Soviet of the Union Republic in accordance with the Constitution of the Union Republic.

Article 84 The Ministers of a Union Republic direct the branches of state administration which come within the jurisdiction of the Union Republic.

Article 85 The Ministers of a Union Republic, within the limits of the jurisdiction of their respective Ministries, issue orders and instructions on the basis and in pursuance of the laws of the U.S.S.R. and of the Union Republic, of the decisions and orders of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R. and the Council of Ministers of the Union Republic, and of the orders and instructions of the Union-Republican Ministries of the U.S.S.R.

Article 86 The Ministries of a Union Republic are either Union-Republican or Republican Ministries.

Article 87 Each Union-Republican Ministry directs the branch of state administration entrusted to it, and is subordinate both to the Council of Ministers of the Union Republic and to the corresponding Union-Republican Ministry of the U.S.S.R.

Article 88 Each Republican Ministry directs the branch of state administration entrusted to it and is directly subordinate to the Council of Ministers of the Union Republic.

Article 88a [Deleted, December 19, 1963]

Article 88b [Deleted, December 19,1963]

Chapter VII THE HIGHER ORGANS OF STATE POWER IN THE AUTONOMOUS SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS

Article 89 The highest organ of state power in an Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic is the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic.

Article 90 The Supreme Soviet of an Autonomous Republic is elected by the citizens of the Republic for a term of four years on a basis of representation established by the Constitution of the Autonomous Republic.

Article 91 The Supreme Soviet of an Autonomous Republic is the sole legislative organ of the Autonomous Republic.

Article 92 Each Autonomous Republic has its own Constitution, which takes account of the specific features of the Autonomous Republic and is drawn up in full conformity with the Constitution of the Union Republic.

Article 93 The Supreme Soviet of an Autonomous Republic elects the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic and appoints the Council of Ministers of the Autonomous Republic, in accordance with its Constitution.

Chapter VIII THE LOCAL ORGANS OF STATE POWER

Article 94 The organs of state power in Territories, Provinces, Autonomous Provinces, Areas, Counties, Cities and rural localities ( starlitsas, Villages, Hamlets, Kishlaks, Auls) are the Soviets of Working People's Deputies.

Article 95 The Soviets of Working People's Deputies of Territories, Provinces, Autonomous Provinces, Areas, Counties, Cities and rural localities (Stanitsas, Villages, Hamlets, Kishlaks, Auls) are elected by the working people of the respective Territories, Provinces, Autonomous Provinces, Areas, Counties, Cities or rural localities for a term of two years.

Article 96 The basis of representation for Soviets of Working People's Deputies is determined by the Constitutions of the Union Republics.

Article 97 The Soviets of Working People's Deputies direct the work of the organs of administration subordinate to them, ensure the maintenance of public order, the observance of the laws and the protection of the rights of citizens, direct local economic and cultural affairs and draw up the local budgets.

Article 98 The Soviets of Working People's Deputies adopt decisions and issue orders within the limits of the powers vested in them by the laws of the U.S.S.R. and of the Union Republic.

Article 99 The executive and administrative organ of the Soviet of Working People's Deputies of a Territory, Province, Autonomous Province, Area, County, City or rural locality is the Executive Committee elected by it, consisting of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, a Secretary and members.

Article 100 The executive and administrative organ of the Soviet of Working People's Deputies in a small locality, in accordance with the Constitution of the Union Republic, is the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman and the Secretary elected by the Soviet of Working People's Deputies.

Article 101 The executive organs of the Soviets of Working People's Deputies are directly accountable both to the Soviets of Working People's Deputies which elected them and to the executive organ of the superior Soviet of Working People's Deputies.

Chapter IX THE COURTS AND THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE

Article 102 In the U S.S.R. justice is administered by the Supreme Court of the U.S.S.R., the Supreme Courts of the Union Republics, the Courts of the Territories, Provinces, Autonomous Republics, Autonomous Provinces and Areas, the Special Courts of the U.S.S.R. established by decision of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R.. and the People's Courts.

Article 103 In all Courts cases are tried with the participation of lay judges, except in cases specially provided for by law.

Article 104 The Supreme Court of the U.S.S.R. is the highest judicial organ. The Supreme Court of the U.S.S.R. is charged with the supervision of the judicial activities of all the judicial organs of the U.S.S.R. as well as of the judicial organs of the Union Republics within the ]imitations established by law.

Article 105 The Supreme Court of the U.S.S.R. is elected by the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. for a term of five years. The presidents of the Supreme Courts of the Union Republics are members ex officio of the Supreme Court of the U.S.S.R.

Article 106 The Supreme Courts of the Union Republics are elected by the Supreme Soviets of the Union Republics for a term of five years.

Article 107 The Supreme Courts of the Autonomous Republics are elected by the Supreme Soviets of the Autonomous Republics for a term of five years.

Article 108 . The Courts of Territories, Provinces, Autonomous Provinces and Areas are elected by the Soviets of Working People's Deputies of the respective Territories, Provinces, Autonomous Provinces or Areas for a term of five years.

Article 109 People's judges of county (city) People's Courts are elected by citizens of the county (city) on the basis of universal, equal, and direct suffrage by secret ballot for a term of five years. People's lay judges of county (city) People's Courts are elected at general meetings of workers, clerks, and peasants at their place of work or residence and of soldiers at their military unit for a term of two years.

Article 110 Judicial proceedings are conducted in the language of the Union Republic, Autonomous Republic or Autonomous Province, persons not knowing this language being guaranteed the opportunity of fully acquainting themselves with the material of the case through an interpreter and likewise the right to use their own language in court.

Article 111 In all Courts of the U.S.S.R. cases are heard in pub]ic, unless otherwise provided for by law, and the accused is guaranteed the right to defence.

Article 112 Judges are independent and subject only to the law.

Article 113 Supreme supervisory power to ensure the strict observance of the law by all Ministries and institutions subordinated to them, as well as by officials and citizens of the U.S.S.R. generally, is vested in the Prosecutor-General of the U.S.S.R.

Article 114 The Prosecutor-General of the U.S.S.R. is appointed by the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. for a term of seven years.

Article 115 Prosecutors of Republics, Territories, Provinces, Autonomous Republics and Autonomous Provinces are appointed by the Prosecutor-General of the U.S.S.R. for a term of five years.

Article 116 Area, County and City prosecutors are appointed by the Prosecutors of the Union Republics, subject to the approval of the Prosecutor-General of the U.S.S.R., for a term of five years.

Article 117 The organs of the Prosecutor's Office perform their functions independently of any local organs whatsoever, being subordinate solely to the Prosecutor-General of the U.S.S.R.

Chapter X FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF CITIZENS

Article 118 Citizens of the U.S.S.R. have the right to work, that is, the right to guaranteed employment and payment for their work in accordance with its quantity and quality. The right to work is ensured by the socialist organization of the national economy, the steady growth of the productive forces of Soviet society, the elimination of the possibility of economic crises, and the abolition of unemployment.

Article 119 Citizens of the U.S.S.R. have the right to rest and leisure. The right to rest and leisure is ensured by the establishment of a seven-hour day for industrial, office, and professional workers, the reduction of the working day to six hours for a number of arduous trades and to four hours in shops where conditions of work are particularly arduous, by the institution of annual vacations with full pay for industrial, office, and professional workers, and by the provision of a wide network of sanatoria, rest homes and clubs for the accommodation of the working people.

Article 120 Citizens of the U.S.S.R. have the right to maintenance in old age and also in case of sickness or disability. This right is ensured by the extensive development of social insurance of industrial, office, and professional workers at state expense, free medical service for the working people, and the provision of a wide network of health resorts for the use of the working people.

Article 121 Citizens of the U.S.S.R. have the right to education. This right is guaranteed by universal compulsory eight-year education, by extensively developed general secondary polytechnical education, professional technical education, secondary special and higher education on the basis of maintaining a link between education and life and production, by extensively developed evening and correspondence schools, by free education of all kinds, by a system of state living allowances, by education in schools in a native language, by organization in factories, in state farms, and in collective farms of production, technological, and agronomic study for toilers without charge.

Article 122 Women in the U.S.S.R. are accorded equal rights with men in all spheres of economic, government, cultural, political and other public activity. The possibility of exercising these rights is ensured by women being accorded an equal right with men to work, payment for work, rest and leisure, social insurance and education, and by state protection of the interests of mother and child, state aid to mothers of large families and unmarried mothers, maternity leave with full pay, and the provision of a wide network of maternity homes, nurseries and kindergartens.

Article 123 Equality of rights of citizens of the U.S.S.R., irrespective of their nationality or race, in all spheres of economic, government, cultural, political and other public activity, is an indefeasible law. Any direct or indirect restriction of the rights of, or, conversely, the establishment of any direct or indirect privileges for, citizens on account of their race or nationality, as well as any advocacy of racial or national exclusiveness or hatred and contempt, is punishable by law.

Article 124 In order to ensure to citizens freedom of conscience, the church in the U.S.S.R. is separated from the state, and the school from the church. Freedom of religious worship and freedom of anti-religious propaganda is recognized for all citizens.

Article 125 In conformity with the interests of the working people, and in order to strengthen the socialist system, the citizens of the U.S.S.R. are guaranteed a) freedom of speech; b) freedom of the press; c) freedom of assembly, including the holding of mass meetings; d) freedom of street processions and demonstrations. These civil rights are ensured by placing at the disposal of the working people and their organizations printing presses, stocks of paper, public buildings, the streets, communications facilities and other material requisites for the exercise of these rights.

Article 126 In conformity with the interests of the working people, and in order to develop the organizational initiative and political activity of the masses of the people, citizens of the U.S.S.R. are guaranteed the right to unite in public organizations: trade unions, co-operative societies, youth organizations, sport and defence organizations, cultural, technical and scientific societies; and the most active and politically-conscious citizens in the ranks of the working class, working peasants and working intelligentsia voluntarily unite in the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, which is the vanguard of the working people in their struggle to build communist society and is the leading core of all organizations of the working people, both public and state.

Article 127 Citizens of the U.S.S.R. are guaranteed inviolability of the person. No person may be placed under arrest except by decision of a court or with the sanction of a prosecutor.

Article 128 The inviolability of the homes of citizens and privacy of correspondence are protected by law.

Article 129 The U.S.S.R. affords the right of asylum to foreign citizens persecuted for defending the interests of the working people, or for scientific activities, or for struggling for national liberation.

Article 130 It is the duty of every citizen of the U.S.S.R. to abide by the Constitution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, to observe the laws, to maintain labour discipline, honestly to perform public duties, and to respect the rules of socialist intercourse.

Article 131 It is the duty of every citizen of the U.S.S.R. to safeguard and fortify public, socialist property as the sacred and inviolable foundation of the Soviet system, as the source of the wealth and might of the country, as the source of the prosperity and culture of all the working people. Persons committing offences against public, socialist property are enemies of the people.

Article 132 Universal military service is law. Military service in the Armed Forces of the U.S.S.R. is an honourable duty of the citizens of the U.S.S.R.

Article 133 To defend the country is the sacred duty of every citizen of the U.S.S.R. Treason to the Motherland--violation of the oath of allegiance, desertion to the enemy, impairing the military power of the state, espionage--is punishable with all the severity of the law as the most heinous of crimes.

Chapter XI THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM

Article 134 Members of all Soviets of Working People's Deputies--of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., the Supreme Soviets of the Union Republics, the Soviets of Working People's Deputies of the Territories and Provinces, the Supreme Soviets of the Autonomous Republics, the Soviets of Working People's Deputies of the Autonomous Provinces, and the Area, County, City and rural (Stanitsa, Village, Hamlet, Kishlak, Aul) Soviets of Working People's Deputies--are chosen by the electors on the basis of universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret ballot.

Article 135 Elections of deputies are universal: all citizens of the U.S.S.R. who have reached the age of eighteen, irrespective of race or nationality, sex, religion, education, domicile, social origin, property status or past activities, have the right to vote in the election of deputies, with the exception of persons recognized as insane in accordance with the procedure established by law. Every citizen of the U.S.S.R. who has reached the age of twenty-three is eligible for the election to the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. irrespective of race or nationality, sex, religion, education, domicile, social origin, property status or past activities.

Article 136 Elections of deputies are equal; each citizen has one vote; all citizens participate in elections on an equal footing.

Article 137 Women have the right to elect and be elected on equal terms with men.

Article 138 Citizens serving in the Armed Forces of the U.S.S.R. have the right to elect and be elected on equal terms with all other citizens.

Article 139 Elections of deputies are direct: all Soviets of Working People's Deputies, from rural and City Soviets of Working People's Deputies to the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., are elected by the citizens by direct vote.

Article 140 Voting at elections of deputies is secret.

Article 141 Candidates are nominated by election districts. The right to nominate candidates is secured to public organizations and societies of the working people: Communist Party organizations, trade unions, co-operatives, youth organizations and cultural societies.

Article 142 It is the duty of every deputy to report to his electors on his work and on the work of his Soviet of Working People's Deputies, and he may be recalled at any time upon decision of a majority of the electors in the manner established by law.

Chapter XII ARMS, FLAG, CAPITAL

Article 143 The arms of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics are a sickle and hammer against a globe depicted in the rays of the sun and surrounded by ears of grain, with the inscription "Workers of All Countries, Unite!" in the languages of the Union Republics. At the top of the arms is a five-pointed star.

Article 144 The state flag of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is of red cloth with the sickle and hammer depicted in gold in the upper corner near the staff and above them a five-pointed red star bordered in gold. The ratio of the width to the length is 1:2.

Article 145 The Capital of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is the City of Helsinki.

Chapter XIII PROCEDURE FOR AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION

Article 146 The Constitution of the U.S.S.R. may be amended only by decision of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. adopted by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the votes in each of its chambers.