The Formation of the Soviet System of Governance in Soviet Russia and Soviet Armenia (first half of the 1920s)

Key words: Soviet Russia, Soviet Armenia, political system, Soviets, principles of governance, copy, first half of the 1920s The formation of the Soviet system of governance in Soviet Russia began in November 1917 when the 2nd Congress of the Soviets passed the state power to the Soviets. The principle that the whole power belongs to the Soviets was firmly fixed in the Constitution of Soviet Russia passed on 10 July 1918. However, one of the most important principles of governance of the Communist (Bolshevik) Party of Russia was that there must not be any split between the executive and legislative powers. As the Communist (Bolshevik) Party of Armenia was a part in the structure of the C(B)PR, it began the policy of subordination of the Soviets to itself. Elections of Soviets and their congresses were held in December 1921 – January 1922. Two cities (Erivan and Alexandrapol) and about 800 village-soviets were elected. During the 1st Congress of C(B)PA, a resolution was passed about the relations between the Communist Party and the Soviets: there must be work relations between the party and the Soviets, and the Communist Party will not take the Soviets under its sposorship. The first Constitution of Soviet Armenia, passed on 3 February 1922, was almost a copy of the 1918 Constitution of Soviet Russia.