Although the party gave general guidelines on nominations, such as the ratio of the social composition of the nominees, much of the work was left to local bodies and people's representatives.

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.

The Soviet of the Union elected a chairman (who would lead the sessions of the chamber), his four deputies and permanent commissions: Mandates, Legislative Proposals, Budget Planning, Foreign Affairs, Youth Affairs, Industry, Transportation and Communications, Construction and Industry of Building Materials, Agriculture, Consumer goods, Public Education, Healthcare and Social Security, Science and Culture, Trade, Consumer Service and Municipal Economy, Environment.

The legality of this action was questionable, since the Soviet Constitution did not allow a republic to unilaterally recall its deputies.

[2] However, by this time what remained of the Soviet government had been rendered more or less impotent and was thus in no position to object.