| The Supreme Soviet, a popularly elected organ with both legislative and executive powers, traditionally served as a rubber stamp for party policy. Today, as one part of perestroika, it is acquiring new responsibilities. This dissertation uses the activities of the new Supreme Soviet's committee system as evidence in an analysis of the CPSU's "leading role" in the USSR's political system. The committee system is a fruitful environment in which to explore these reforms because it is the "political crucible" where changing relations between the CPSU, the Supreme Soviet, and the Council of Ministers first were tested. The party, through committee chairmen, membership, and infrastructure, has maintained control over the committee system. By insisting that a line can be drawn between political decisionmaking and policy formulation, the party is trying to protect its monopoly on "political leadership.". |
