to eight months a year. In September 1991, after the August Coup, it was reorganised into the Soviet (council) of Republics and the Soviet of The Union, which would jointly amend the Soviet Constitution, admit new states, hear out the President of the Soviet Union on important home and foreign policy issues, approve the union budget, declare war and conclude peace. The Soviet of Republics would consist of 20 deputies from each union republic, plus one deputy to represent each autonomous region of each republic, delegated by the republics' legislatures. Russia was an exception with 52 deputies. The Soviet Union consisted of deputies apportioned by the existing quotas. In 1989, its powers were: Passing and initiating laws. Submitting questions to the President of the Soviet Union, the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union, scheduling elections of deputies. Convening the Congress of People's Deputies. Appointing the Chairman of the Council of Ministers on the submission of the president. Ratifying the composition of the Council of Ministers and changes in it on the submission on the Chairman. Forming and disbanding ministries and state committees on the Council of Ministers proposal. Overriding a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority. Ratifying presidential declarations of war. Impeaching the President. Hearing reports by organs of appointed officials. Implementing laws regulating property, management of the economy, social and cultural issues, budget and finance, salaries, prices, taxes, environmental protection, natural resource, and civil rights, Laying down the principals of local and republic state power and the legal status of social organisations, Submitting for ratification (and ratifying and amending) by the congress long-term national and social and economic development plans, the national budget, monitoring implantation of the state plan and budget, and ratifying reports on their performance. Ratifying international treaties. Overseeing the granting of foreign aid and negotiating foreign loans. Determining basic measures for national security, including declarations of war, mobilizing troops, and meeting international treaty obligations. Acts by the Supreme Soviet entered into force after signature by the President and publication. Between 1938 and February 1990, more than 50 years, only 80 laws were passed by the Supreme Soviet, less than 1% of total legislative acts. Leaders Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet (1938–1989) Chairmen of the Supreme Soviet (1989–1991) Convocations 1st convocation session 1938–1946, World War II 2nd convocation session 1946–1950 3rd convocation session 1950–1954 4th convocation session 1954–1958 5th convocation session 1958–1962 6th