Communist Party Institutions

Question 1

When was the Politburo founded?

Answer 1

1919

Question 2

What was the Politburo?

Answer 2

The inner ruling group of the communist party

- key decision making body in Soviet affairs

Question 3

How many members did the Politburo have?

Answer 3

1919-1922 - 5
1922+ - 7
Members chosen by the Central Committee

Question 4

What was the Orgburo?

Answer 4

The Organisations Buro: founded 1919

- supposed to deal with organisational matters but lost groups to the Party Secretariat in early 1920s

Question 5

What was the Secretariat?

Answer 5

Initially subordinate to the Orgburo but grew extremely powerful
- Controlled appointments to the Communist Party posts in the provinces

Question 6

Who became the head of the Secretariat in 1922?

Answer 6

Stalin

Question 7

What was the Central Committee?

Answer 7

In and before 1917 was the key decision making body in party affairs but after 1919 was replaced by the Politburo

Question 8

How were members elected to the CC?

Answer 8

By the Party Congress

Question 9

What was the membership of the CC?

Answer 9

1917: 29
1922: 45

Question 10

When was the Party Congress formed?

Answer 10

1898

Question 11

How many full Party Congresses were held between 1892-1917?

Answer 11

6

Question 12

How often were Congresses called under Lenin and Stalin?

Answer 12

Annually under Lenin but under Stalin 17th in 1932, 18th 1919 and 19th in 1952