The Supreme Soviet was the highest legislative body in the former Soviet Union, established in 1936. It functioned as a parliament, responsible for approving laws and policies proposed by the Communist Party. The Supreme Soviet consisted of two chambers: the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities, which represented different regions and ethnic groups within the USSR. Although it had the appearance of a democratic institution, the Supreme Soviet primarily served to legitimize decisions made by the ruling party. Its sessions were often brief, and real power rested with the Communist Party, making the Supreme Soviet more of a rubber-stamp organization than an independent legislative body.