All-Russian Congress of Soviets

All-Russian Congress of Soviets 

in accordance with the Constitutions of the RSFSR of 1918 and 1925, the highest organ of state power of the RSFSR. It was composed of representatives of city and town Soviets (one deputy for every 25,000 voters) and of representatives of provincial (oblast) and autonomous republic congresses of Soviets (one deputy for every 125,000 inhabitants). It was convened at least twice a year (in accordance with the 1918 Constitution) and later at least once a year (in accordance with the 1925 Constitution). The All-Russian Congress of Soviets and the All-Russian Central Executive Committee, which was elected by the Congress, directed the construction of the republic’s economy and cultural life. The exclusive jurisdiction of the All-Russian Congress of Soviets included the functions of establishing, completing, and modifying the basic principles of the RSFSR Constitution. The Congress also had the exclusive power to ratify partial constitutional changes adopted by the All-Russian Central Executive Committee between sessions of the All-Russian Congress of Soviets and to ratify the constitution of the autonomous Soviet socialist republics. Seventeen All-Russian Congresses of Soviets were held in all. The first Congress took place in June (July) 1917 (prior to the Great October Socialist Revolution), the second in October (November) 1917, the third in January 1918, the fourth in March 1918, the fifth in July 1918, the sixth in November 1918, the seventh in December 1919, the eighth in December 1920, the ninth in December 1921, the tenth in December 1922, the 11th in January 1924, the 12th in May 1925, the 13th in April 1927, the 14th in May 1929, the 15th in February-March 1931, the 16th in January 1935, and the 17th in January 1937. In accordance with the RSFSR Constitution of 1937 the Supreme Soviet became the highest organ of state power.

N. P. FARBEROV