state, and complete freedom of conscience was accorded all citizens of
Russia. Citizens were to enjoy complete freedom of speech and of the
press. For the purpose of "securing freedom of expression to the
toiling masses," provision was made for the free circulation
throughout the country of newspapers, books, and pamphlets. Full and
general education to the poorest peasantry was also promised. Capital
punishment was declared abolished, and a solemn protest against war
and violence of every kind was adopted.

146. THE BOLSHEVIST CONSTITUTION: RESTRICTED SUFFRAGE.--These liberal
provisions were offset, however, by a number of important restrictions
upon the voting rights of the people. Article IV of the bolshevist
constitution declared that the right to vote should not be extended to
the following groups: all persons employing hired laborers for profit,
including farmers who have even a single part-time helper; all persons
receiving incomes from interest, rent, or profits; all persons engaged
in private trade, even to the smallest shop-keeper; all ministers of
religion of any kind; all persons engaged in work which was not
specifically defined by the proper authorities as "productive and
useful to society"; members of the old royal family; and individuals
formerly employed in the imperial police service. The constitution
further provided that representation in the various deliberative
assemblies (called soviets, or councils) should be arranged so that
one urban bolshevist would be equal, in voting strength, to five non-
bolshevist peasants. Lastly, the constitution significantly neglected
to provide any machinery whereby the voters, either as individuals or
in groups, could make nominations for any governmental office. The
power of nomination was assumed by various bolshevist officials.

147. THE BOLSHEVIST CONSTITUTION: PROVISION FOR A DESPOTISM.--The