Constitutional Reform & The Presidency

Question 1

1. Democratisation had succeeded in what?
   - However, what had it not produced?
2. What did Yeltsin demand? (2)
3. What did Gorbachev want? (2)

Answer 1

1. Weakening the CP.
   - A strong government.
2. A new constitution that officially stripped the CP of its leading role.
3. A constitutional change that would give him new powers to deal with growing economic and political problems.

Question 2

1. When was Gorbachev appointed President of the USSR?

2, Why did he create this position? (2)

3. Who did he decide the President would be appointed by?
   - Why?

Answer 2

1. 1990.
2. To increase his power and create a position independent from the Party and Supreme Soviet.
3. Congress of People’s Deputies.
   - Yeltsin might have won.

Question 3

4. What did this mean he lacked?
5. What was he given when appointed president? (2)
6. Why was he criticised for this?

Answer 3

4. Democratic legitimacy.
5. Emergency powers for 18 months to deal with economic crisis and growing unrest in Soviet republics.
6. He was diverting reform.