Development: The Communist Party evolved into the ruling party, restricting popular control.
Control: Terror and centralized decision-making
Function of Soviets: Soviets became administrative, voting on laws pre-decided by the Party.
Party Congress: Debated and settled policies; All-Union Congress of Soviets and its Executive Committee merely ratified them.
Local Party Secretary: Political boss of the district, responsible for routine administration.
Nomenklatura System: Established in 1923; Party controlled appointments to approx. 5,500 key public positions.
