Until democratization in the late-1980s, however, only a single candidate nominated by the Communist Party of the Soviet Union was permitted to stand for election in each constituency.

In practice, until 1989, it did little more than approve decisions already made by the top leadership of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

Its deputies were elected representing national-territorial electoral districts and public organizations.

[3] The Council of Republics made decisions on the organization and procedure for the activities of union bodies, ratifies and denounces international treaties.

The Soviet of the Union had effectively been dissolved two weeks earlier when Russia unilaterally recalled its deputies, leaving it without a quorum.