Continuation. Beginning in N 4-6 for 1999 During the February Revolution of 1917, a dual power was established in the country: on the one hand, the Provisional Government - the authority of the bourgeoisie and landlords, on the other - the Petrograd Soviet. A power struggle unfolded between them. The attempt of the Socialist-Revolutionaries and Mensheviks to turn the course of events towards parliamentarism, made on October 7, 1917, ended in failure. The democratic Conference (Pre-Parliament), which took place on Kerensky's initiative, found itself on the sidelines of real State power, receiving only the right of an advisory vote. During the February and October Revolutions, a new system of representative power was formed. After October 1917, the separation of powers was abolished. The legislative and executive branches of government merged into a single body - the Soviets of first Workers 'and Soldiers' Deputies, then workers', soldiers 'and Peasants' deputies, later workers ' and finally People's Deputies. The judiciary remained independent and elective. The merger of the legislative and executive functions of the Soviets was enshrined in the Constitution of the RSFSR, adopted on July 10, 1918: supreme power belongs to the All - Russian Congress of Soviets, and in the period between congresses-to the All-Russian Central Executive Committee of Soviets, which is the highest legislative, administrative and controlling body of the country. For the general administration of the affairs of the Republic, the Central Executive Committee forms the Council of People's Commissars (SNK) and departments (People's commissariats) for the management of individual branches and departments. Members of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee work in People's commissariats or carry out special assignments of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee. The Council of People's Commissars is fully responsible to the All-Russian Congress of Soviets and the All-Russian Central Ex ... Read more