The constitutional process in the Republic of Volga Germans in the 1920s – 1930s: Content and essence

The article examines the constitutional policy of the Soviet state in relation to the autonomous republic of Volga Germans that existed in 1924–1941 as part of the RSFSR, shows this policy as an integral part of the general national-state policy towards national minorities, to whom the Bolshevik government was granted a certain form of statehood. The characteristic of the two constitutions of the Non–Republic of 1926 and 1937 is given – as octroated, i.e. granted from above and therefore contained as much independence as allowed by the center. The state policy related to the implementation of the content of these constitutions is described. The principle of octroism unified and strictly regulated national life, giving it a rather limited place and thus allowing the authorities to quickly implement the process of integrating peoples into a new socio-political system.

Constitution, ASSR of Volga Germans, Germansrepublic, WG ASSR, Constitution of WG ASSR NP 1926, Constitution of WG ASSR 1937, autonomy, national policy, principle of octroism