Amendments to the 1936 Soviet Constitution

Amendments
TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE U.S.S.R.
Adopted by the 10th Session of the Supreme Soviet
FEBRUARY 2, 1944



CHAPTER II

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE STATE

ARTICLE 14 (a), as amended, now reads: Representation of the Union in international relations, conclusion and ratification of treaties with other states, and the establishment of the general character of the relations between the Union Republic and foreign States.

ARTICLE 14 (g), as amended, now reads: Organization of the defense of the U.S.S.R. and direction of all armed forces of the U.S.S.R.; the establishment of the guiding rinciples of the organization of the military formations of the Union Republics.

ARTICLE 18, as amended, adds new sections (a) and (b) as follows: (a) Each Union Republic has the right to enter into direct relations with foreign states, to conclude agreements with them and exchange diplomatic and consular representatives with them. (b) Each Union Republic has its republican military formation.

CHAPTER IV

THE HIGHEST ORGANS OF STATE AUTHORITY OF THE UNION REPUBLIC

ARTICLE 60, as amended, adds new sections (e) and (f) as follows: (e) Establishes the representation of the Union Republics in international relations.
(f) Establishes the method of the creation of military formations the Union Republic.

CHAPTER V

THE ORGANS OF GOVERNMENT OF THE UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS

ARTICLES 77 and 78: The People's Commissariats of Defense and Foreign Affairs have been converted from All-Union to Union-Republican People's Commissariats and should therefore be listed under Article 78 instead of Article 77.

CHAPTER VI

THE ORGANS OF GOVERNMENT OF THE UNION REPUBLICS

Footnote to Article 83: Under the amendments to the Constitution adopted by the loth Session of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., February 2, 1944, the Union Republics now have the right to appoint Commissars of Defense and Foreign Affairs to their Councils of People's Commissars.

Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA 17837
© 1996 Robert Beard