Organization of the Communist Party of the USSR

Politburo of the CPSU Central Committee
The political bureau of the Central Committee and the most powerful political group of the Communist Party.

Central Committee of the Communist Party
The governing body of the Party between each Congress. Conducted the day-to-day business of the Party and the government.

Supreme Soviet
The highest legislative council of the Soviet Union and was empowered to pass constitutional amendments. Made up of two houses, the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities.

Party Congress of the CPSU
The gathering of leading Party officials every five years. It was the oversight body of the entire Party, in theory.

Communist Party of the Soviet Union
The only legal political party from 1917 until March 1990.