From Socialism to Sovereignty: A Comparative Study of 1918 Constitution of Russian Socialist Federation Soviet Republic and 1993 Constitution of Russian Federation

Abstract

A nation's constitution reflects its ideological foundations, cultural values, historical development and collective aspirations. Russia’s first constitution, adopted in 1918 in the aftermath of the revolution and inspired by the Marxist ideology of a classless and void of private property ownership. This supreme law guided the Soviet state for decades until the dissolution of the USSR. In 1993, the Russian Federation adopted a new constitution that beckoned a departure from its socialist legacy and embraced elements of Western-style capitalism and liberal democracy. This paper critically examines the success of this ideological transition, analyzes the extent to which remnants of the earlier constitutional model persist, and explores the evolving role of the military in both the 1918 and 1993 constitutions.

Keywords: Russian Constitution, Marxist Ideology, 1993 Constitution, Capitalism, Military Role, Constitutional Transition