The Sociological Service for the First Congress of People's Deputies of the USSR: The Initial Experience

During the preparations for the First Congress of People's Deputies of the USSR, a Congress Sociological Service was created in the Academy of Social Sciences attached to the CPSU Central Committee and the All-Union Scientific Research Institute for Soviet State Organization and Legislation. The Service conducted two studies of public opinion of Moscow working people: before the congress (May 1989) and immediately after it (July 1989),1 as well as three quick surveys of people's deputies of the USSR during the congress (May 27, June 2, and July 9).2