Soviet republic (system of government)

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For the Soviet republics of the Soviet Union, see Republics of the Soviet Union.

A Soviet Republic is a system of government in which the whole state power belongs to the Soviets - councils of employees. Although the term usually associated with communist states, it was not initially intended to represent only one political force, but merely a form of democracy and representation. There were examples of Soviet Republics with multi-party system and even without a communist party.

In classical Soviet Republic all power belongs to the hierarchy of Councils, with the Supreme Council on the top. It means that the Supreme Council has authority to alter the constitution, resolve trials, sentence people, change the government, confiscate property, reform language and appoint any official by simple majority. Decisions of the councils does not require to be ratified or undersigned by any other body or person. In practice the councils do not normally execute all these powers, but rather institute bodies to perform their work.

Each council is headed by Presidium which serves as a collective head of the entity, with the chairman of the Supreme Council performs ceremonial duties of the Head of State. State awards usually awarded by a decree of Presidium of the Supreme Council or a council of lower level. Each Council has a number of committees, including the Executive Committee, which serves executive functions of the Council and even as a local administration.