ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the influence of the people on the exercise of state authority and takes into consideration at least three questions. First, the basic principles of our Constitution, which form the fundamental rules relating to the exercise of the sovereign rights of the nation. second, the legally provided mechanism of the institutions developed to carry these principles into effect; and third, the development of the practice determining the real use made of those institutions. Social scientists from outside the Socialist camp seldom understand that the system of the People's Councils is hardly comparable with the institutions of local or self-government. The People's Councils have general competence to direct the economic, social, and cultural life within the boundaries of their territory. The influence of the people's representatives active at the lower levels of the hierarchy of People's Councils is not limited to the sphere in which they are competent to decide and instruct subordinate units by their own resolutions.
