The term "Soviet" refers to the political and administrative system of the former Soviet Union, officially known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). Established in 1922, the Soviet Union was a federation of multiple republics, with Russia being the largest. The government was based on the principles of Marxism-Leninism, promoting a one-party state led by the Communist Party. Soviet society was characterized by state ownership of the means of production and centralized planning. The term "Soviet" also refers to local councils that were established to govern various levels of society, from cities to regions. The Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, leading to the independence of its republics.