CONSTITUTION (BASIC LAW) of the
Chapter I
The organization of the society
Article 1.
The Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia is a socialist state of workers
and peasants.
Chapter II
The organization of the state
Article 13. For the purpose of mutual
assistance in economic, political and defence sphere, the Soviet Socialist
Republic of Georgia voluntary associated with the equal
The Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia
guarantees the rights specified for in Article 14 of the Constitution of the
Outside of the scope of Article 14 the Soviet
Socialist Republic of Georgia shall exercise its jurisdiction independently and
fully maintain its sovereign rights.
Article 14.
The jurisdiction of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, as
represented by its highest organs of state authority and organs of government,
covers:
a) adoption the Constitution of the Georgian
SSR, introduction the changes and amendments to it, control the observance of
the Constitution;
b) Confirmation of the Constitutions of the
Abkhaz and Adjarian Autonomous SSR;
c) Determination of boundaries of the Abkhaz
and Adjarian SSR and of the South-Ossetian Autonomous oblast;
d) Submission of proposals for confirmation to
the Supreme Soviets of the
e) Determination of boundaries and district
division of the Georgian SSR;
f) Adoption of the laws, legal Codes and the
Acts of the Georgian SSR;
g) Safeguarding the public order and civil
rights;
h) Approval of the public-economic plans of the
Georgian SSR;
i) Approval of the state budget of the Georgian
SSR;
j) Management of implementation of the budgets
of the Abkhaz Autonomous SSR, Adjarian Autonomous SSR and of the South-Ossetian
Autonomous oblast, as well as of city’s and local budgets;
k) Introduction of state and local taxes, dues
and non-tax income in accordance of the law of the
l) Administration of the Banks of state
subordination, industrial and agricultural establishments and enterprises
and local trading enterprises and
industry;
m) Control over the situation and management of
the enterprises and institutions of all-Union importance;
n) Establishment of the rules for the use of
land, its bowels, water and forest;
o) Administration of municipal improvements,
housing and public utilities;
p) Administration of road-construction, local
transport and communications;
q) Administration of labour legislation;
r) Administration of the public health;
s) Administration of insurance and savings’
t) Administration of primary, secondary and
high educational establishments;
u) Administration of cultural-educational and
scientific institutions and organizations of the Georgian SSR and management of
cultural and scientific organizations of the all-state importance;
u) Arrangement of the judicial organs;
v) Granting the citizenship of the Georgian
SSR;
x) Issuing the act of amnesty and pardon for
the citizens convicted by the judiciary organs of the Georgian SSR.
Article 15.
The Georgian SSR reserves the right to secede freely from the
Article 16. Alteration of the
Article 17.
The laws of the
Article 18.
The citizen of the Georgian SSR is the citizen of the
Any citizen of other union republic shall enjoy
the equal rights on the territory of the Georgian SSR as for citizen of the
Georgian SSR;
Article 19. The
Article 20. The Autonomous Soviet Socialist
Republic of Abkhazia includes: Gagra, Gali, Gudauta,
Article 21. The Autonomous Soviet Socialist
Republic of Adjara includes:
Article 22. The South Ossetian Autonomous
Oblast includes: Znauri, Leningori, Staliniri and Java districts and city
Tskhinvali, which is not included in the district.
Article 23. The laws of the Georgian SSR have
the same force within the territory of the whole Georgian SSR.
In the event of discrepancy between a law of
the Abkhaz and Adjarian autonomous SSR and the Georgian SSR, the Law of the
Georgian SSR prevails.
24. The Autonomous SSR of Abkhazia and the
Autonomous SSR of Adjara shall have their own Constitutions which take account
of the specific features of these autonomous republics and are drawn up in full
conformity with the Constitution of the Georgian SSR and of the Constitution of
the
The South-Ossetian Autonomous oblast has the
Regulations of the autonomous oblast, which shall be approved by the Supreme
Soviets of the Georgian SSR.
Chapter III
The highest organs of the state authority ofthe
Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia
Article 26.
Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR shall exercise all the rights under the
jurisdiction of the Georgian SSR in conformity to the Article 13 and Article 14
of the Constitution of the Georgian SSR as they are, on the basis of this
Constitution, outside of the competence of the organs that are accountable to
the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, Council of People’s
Commissars of the Georgian SSR and of the People’s Commissariats of the
Georgian SSR.
Article 27. The supreme soviet of the Georgian
SSR is the sole legislative organ of the Georgian SSR.
Article 28. The Supreme Soviet of the Georgian
SSR shall be elected by the citizens of the republic according the electoral
district upon the following norm: one deputy for 15 000 inhabitants.
Article 29. The Supreme Soviet of the Georgian
SSR shall be elected for a term of four years.
Article 34. The Supreme Soviet of the Georgian
SSR shall elect the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR,
consisting of: chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian
SSR, two Vice-Chairmen according the number of autonomous republics, a
secretary of the Presidium and 13 members.
Article 36.
The presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR:
d) revokes the resolutions and decrees issued
by the Council of People’s Commissars of the Georgian SSR and of the Councils
of People’s Commissars of the autonomous republics, as well as the Decisions
adopted by the Council of Workers’ Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast if they do
not comply to the legislation;
(...)
Chapter V
The organs of Government of the Soviet
Socialist Republic of Georgia
Article 44. The highest executive and
administrative organ of the state authority of the Soviet Socialist Republic of
Georgia is the Council of People’s Commissars of the Georgian SSR.
Article 47.
Decision and Orders of the Council of People’s Commissars of the
Georgian SSR are binding throughout the territory of the Georgian SSR.
Article 48. The Council of People’s Commissars
of the Georgian SSR:
d) Coordinates and takes control over the
activity of the councils of the people’s commissars of the autonomous republics
and autonomous oblast; exercises guidance and takes control over the executive
committees of the district and city soviets of worker’s deputies.
(...) 49. The Council of People’s Commissars of
the Georgian SSR has the right to suspend the decisions and orders of the
executive committee of the autonomous oblast and the resolutions and decrees of
the councils of the People’s Commissars of the autonomous republics, and the
decisions and orders of the Soviets of Worker’s Deputies of the Autonomous
Oblast.
Chapter V
The highest organs of state authority of the
Autonomous
Republic of Abkhazia and of the Autonomous
Article 59.
The highest organs of state authority of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist
Republic of Abkhazia and of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Adjara
are the Supreme Soviets of the respective autonomous republic.
Article 60. The Supreme Soviet of an
Article 61. The Supreme Soviet of an
Article 62.
The Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic:
a) Adopts the constitution of the
b) Submits proposals to the Supreme Soviet of
the Georgian SSR on forming the new districts an cities for approval, and
determines their boundaries;
c) Approves the public-economic plan and budget
of the autonomous republic.
d) Grants the award and honorary titles to the
citizens of the autonomous Republic.
Article 63. The Supreme Soviet of the
Article 64.
The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the
Article 65.
The jurisdiction of the Supreme Soviet of the
Article 66. Elects the chairman and the
vice-chairmen for the session of the Supreme Soviet of the
Article 67.
The Supreme Soviet of the
Chapter VI
The organs of government of the
of
Abkhazia and of the Autonomous
Article 68.
The highest executive and administrative organ of the autonomous SSR of
Abkhazia and Adjara is the Council of People’s Commissars of the respective
autonomous republic.
Article 69. The Council of People’s Commissars
of the
Article 70. The Council of People’s Commissars
of the
Article 71. The Council of People’s Commissars
of the Autonomous SSR has the right to revoke the orders and instructions of
the People’s Commissars of the Autonomous SSR, and the decisions and orders of
the District and City executive committees on the territory of it the
autonomous republic, as well as to suspend the decisions and orders of the
District Soviets of Worker’s Deputies.
Article 72.
The Supreme Soviet of the
Chairman of the Council of People’s Commissars;
Vice-Chairmen of the Council of People’s
Commissars;
Chairman of the State Planning Commission;
Peoples Commissars of
Agriculture;
Finance;
Internal Trade;
Internal Affairs;
Justice;
Public Health;
Education;
Local Industry;
Municipal Economy;
Social Maintenance;
Head of Road Department;
Representative of Food-processing Committee;
Head of Art Affairs’ Department
In addition to the aforementioned, with respect
of specifics of the economy and upon the approval of the Supreme Soviet of the
Georgian SSR, the following People’s Commissars can be nominated:
Food Industry;
Light Industry;
Article 73. The People’s Commissars of the
74. The people’s Commissars of the
75. The
People’s Commissariats of the
Chapter VII
The organs of state authority of the Autonomous
Oblast of South Ossetia
Article 76.
The organ of state authority in the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia
is the Soviet of Working People’s Deputies.
Article 77.
The Soviet of Working People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of
South Ossetia directs the work of the organs of administration subordinate to
them, ensures the maintenance of public order, the observance of the laws and
protection of the rights of citizens, directs local economic and cultural
development, approves the budget and public-economic plan of the oblast.
Article 79. The Soviet of Working People’s
Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia adopts decisions and issues
orders within the limits of the power vested in it by the laws of the
Article 80.
The executive and administrative organ of the Autonomous Oblast of South
Ossetia is the executive committee of the Soviet of Working People’s Deputies
of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia elected by the Soviet of Working
People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast, consisting of a chairman, two
vice-chairmen, secretary and seven members.
Article 81.
For the purpose of general management of the fields under the
jurisdiction of the oblast, the executive committee of the Soviet of Working
People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia forms the following
Departments:
Agriculture;
Finance;
Internal Trade;
Health-care;
Public Education;
Local Industry;
Municipal Economy;
Forestry;
Social protection;
Roads;
Chancellery;
Art Affairs;
Planning Commission;
Personnel division at the Chairman of the
executive committee;
In addition to the aforementioned, the
executive committee of the Soviet of Working People’s Deputies of the
Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia forms:
Office of the Commissariat of the Internal
Affairs;
Representative of the Food processing agency.
Article 82. The Departments and entities of the
Autonomous oblast of
Article 83.
The district organs of state authority of the Autonomous Soviet
Socialist Republic of South Ossetia shall be formed in accordance of Chapter
VIII of this Constitution.
Chapter VIII
The local organs of state authority
Article 84. The organs of state authority in
the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia and of the districts, cities, villages
and rural settlements of the Georgian SSR are the Soviets of Working People’s
Deputies.
Article 85. The Soviets of Working People’s
Deputies of districts, cities, villages and rural settlements are elected by
the workers of the respective territorial entities for a term of two years.
Article 86. The District Soviets of Working
People’s Deputies shall be elected according the norm – one deputy for 300
inhabitants.
Article 87. The City Soviets of the Working
People’s Deputies shall be elected according the following norms: the Poti City
Soviet – one deputy for 200 inhabitants; the Kutaisi City Soviet – one deputy
for 400 inhabitants; the Tbilisi City Soviet – 1 Deputy for 700 inhabitants;
for the other cities: a) one deputy for 100 inhabitants where the population is
under 10 000; b) one deputy for 150 inhabitants where the population is over 10
000;
Article 88.
The village and community Soviets of the Working People’s Deputies shall
be elected according to the number of inhabitants: one deputy for not less than
50 and not more than 150 inhabitants.
The representation for the Soviets of Working
People’s Deputies of rural settlements and communities shall be defined within
the limits established by this Article.
Article 89.
The Soviets of Working People’s Deputies (District, city, village)
direct cultural-political and economic development on their respective
territories, introduce the local budget, direct the management of subordinate
organs, safeguard the public order, encourage the strengthening of defence
capacity and observe the laws and protection of the rights of citizens.
Article 90. The Soviets of the Working People’s
Deputies adopt decisions and issue orders within the limits of the powers
vested in them by the laws of the
Article 93.
The executive and administrative organs of the Soviets of the Working
People’s Deputies of districts, cities and villages shall be the executive
committees elected by the respective Soviets consisting of Chairman,
Vice-Chairmen, a secretary and members.
Article 94. The executive and administrative
organs of the Soviets of villages and communities with the inhabitants not more
than 500 people are a chairman, a vice-chairman and a secretary elected by the
respective Soviets.
Article 95. Executive Committees of the Soviets
of Working People’s Deputies (District, city, village) shall coordinate the
cultural-political and economic development in their area in accordance with
the decisions made by the respective soviets of the working people’s deputies
and of the higher state organs.
Article 96.
The District and City Soviets of the Working People’s Deputies shall
elect a chairman and a secretary for holding the session.
Article 97.
The Chairman of the Village Soviet shall convene and lead the session of
the village soviet.
Article 98.
The executive organs of the Soviets of the Working People’s Deputies are
accountable to the respective Soviets they are elected by, as well as to the
executive organs of the higher Soviets.
Article 99. The higher executive committees of
the Soviets of Working People’s Deputies are authorized to revoke and suspend
the decisions and orders issued by the lower executive committees.
Article 101.
For the purpose of management of certain branches, the district and city
Soviets are authorized to form the executive Departments.
Article 102.
The District Soviets shall form the following Departments:
Agriculture;
Public Education;
Finance;
Internal Trade;
Health-care;
Social Protection;
Chancellery;
Road;
Planning commission;
Personnel management sector at the Chairman of
the Committee.
In addition to the aforementioned and
proceeding from the specifics of the district’s economy and subject to approval
of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR. Supreme Soviet of the
Article 103. According to the district
specifics, the Commissariat of the Internal Affairs shall form the offices at
the District Soviets of the Working people’s Deputies in accordance of the laws
of the USSR and the Georgian SSR subject to approval of the Supreme Soviet of
the Georgian SSR, Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous SSR and of the Soviet of
Working People’s Deputies of the Autonomous oblast.
Article 105.
The Departments of the District Soviets of the Working Peoples Deputies
are subordinate to the District Soviets of the Working People’s Deputies and
their executive committees, as well as to the relevant People’s Commissariats
of the Georgian SSR, and in the
Article 106. The Departments of the City
Soviets of the Working People’s Deputies are subordinate to the City Soviet, as
well as to the respective executive committee and the relevant People’s
Commissariat of the Georgian SSR; and in the Autonomous Republics and
Autonomous oblasts they are subordinate to the relevant people’s Commissariat
of the Autonomous Republic or of the relevant Division of the Executive
Committee of the Autonomous Oblast.
Article 108. The Departments of the Soviet of
Working People’s Deputies of Sukhumi are subordinate to the City Soviet and its
executive committee, as well as to the relevant People’s Commissariat of the
Autonomous SSR of Abkhazia.
The Departments of the Soviet of Working
People’s Deputies of Staliniri are subordinate to the City Soviet and its
executive committee, as well as to the relevant Division of the Executive
Committee of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia.
(…)
Chapter IX
The Budget of the
Article 112.
The Council of people’s Commissars of the Soviet Socialist Republic of
Georgia shall draw-up the state budget of the Georgian SSR and submit it to the
Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR for approval.
(…)
Article 116. The income from the local economy,
as well as the revenues from local taxes and dues of the Autonomous Republics
of Abkhazia and Adjara, Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia, as well as of
districts, cities, villages and rural settlements shall be allotted to the
budget of respective territorial entity according to the quantity determined by
the legislation of the USSR and of the Georgian SSR.
Chapter X
Courts and Procurator’s Office
Article 117.
In the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia justice is administered by
the Supreme Court of Georgia, Supreme Courts of the
Article 119.
The Supreme Court of the Georgian SSR is the highest judicial body in
the Georgian SSR. It is entitled to
supervise the administration of justice at the courts of the Georgian SSR,
Abkhaz and Adjarian Autonomous SSR and of the South-Ossetian Autonomous oblast.
Article 120. The Supreme Court of the Georgian
SSR shall be elected by the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR for a term of
five years.
Article 121. The Supreme Courts of the
Article 124. Judicial proceedings on the
territory of the Georgia SSR shall be conducted in Georgian or in the language
of
127. Supreme power of supervision over the
strict and uniform observance of laws by all people’s Commissariats and subordinate
agencies, officials and citizens is vested in the Procurator of the
Article 128. The
Procurators of the Georgian SSR, as well as the procurators of the Abkhaz and
Adjarian Autonomous SSR are appointed by the Procurator of the
Article 129.
The District and City procurators are appointed by the Procurator of the
Georgian SSR for a term of five years subject to approval of the Procurator of
the
Article 130. The agencies of the Procurator’s
Office exercise their powers independently of any local bodies whatsoever, and
are subordinate solely to the Procurator of the
Chapter XIII
Language, Flag and Capital-City
Article 156. Georgian is the state language of
the Georgian SSR.
The national minorities residing on the
territory of the Georgian SSR shall have the right to the free development and
application of their mother tongues in cultural, as well as in state
institutions.
Article 157.
The laws, as well as the Decrees and Resolutions of the Presidium of the
Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, the Decisions and orders of the Council of
people’s Commissariats of the Georgian SSR shall be published in Georgian
language, and for the Autonomous Republics and Autonomous oblasts – in Georgian
and in the language of autonomous Republic or oblast.
Article 158. The laws, as well as decrees and
ordinances of the Presidiums of the Supreme Soviet of the
(…)
(The Collection of the Constitutional Acts of the Georgian SSR.
(1921-1978).