Presidium of the Supreme Soviet

The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet was the highest state body in the Soviet Union when the Supreme Soviet was not in session. It was established by the 1936 constitution and was responsible for performing legislative and executive functions at the all-union level. The Presidium was elected by the Supreme Soviet and was accountable to it. Its duties included interpreting laws, convening sessions of the Supreme Soviet, and awarding honors and titles.1

The term "soviet" originally referred to councils of workers' deputies that emerged during the Russian Revolution of 1905 and 1917. These soviets acted as primary units of government at various levels, officially performing both legislative and executive functions. While nominally elected, the selection of candidates for these positions was controlled by the Communist Party, ensuring a single candidate for each office. The Politburo, on the other hand, was the supreme policy-making body of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and exercised ultimate control over the government until 1990.12