Presidia and standing commissions of the federal and republican Supreme Soviets in the USSR, 1958-1972

Abstract

This thesis seeks to describe and account for the organization and activities of the inner working bodies of the federal and republican Supreme Soviets, namely their Presidia and Standing Commissions. Since this appears to be the first book-length study of these bodies, the author has sought to cover as many significant aspects as possible, rather than concentrating narrowly on particular aspects. Special attention has been paid to elucidating developments over the last twelve years. A number of different theoretical concepts suggested by students of political and administrative science have been found useful in analysing various aspects. The INTRODUCTION opens with a brief review of relevant Western writing, and goes on to outline a framework of analysis. PART ONE describes recent structural changes in the federal and republican Supreme Soviets, after sketching in their earlier evolution and comparable changes in East European parliamentary assemblies. PART TWO, dealing with the Presidia, comprises chapters on institutional structure and membership, and on process. PART THREE employs a similar framework to treat the Standing Commissions. In PART FOUR major conclusions and arguments presented in earlier chapters are brought together, in an attempt to assess the actual functions of the Supreme Soviet organs and their institutional development.