Discreet Signs of the Supreme Idea: On Certain Transcendent Categories in Russian and Soviet Constitutional Law

Abstract The purpose of this article is to analyse world-view and mythological expressions in Russian Soviet Constitutional acts that implicitly or explicitly refer any kind idea legitimising the shape state, its political system nature power. object argument will be exclusively such provisions fundamental laws which: (1) having neither a purely regulatory nor programmatic character, model mental representations world legal text by reference ‘situationally transcendent’ ideas Mannheim’s sense (i.e. which reality different from perceived one; those sketch visions alternative it); (2) justify content provision means imagery, without being part preamble integral Constitution, characterised ontology text; (3) linked power and/or state. materials analysis are: Fundamental Laws Empire 1906, texts Union Socialist Republics 1924, 1936 1977, current Constitution Federation. Consecutive Constitutions Federative Republic are also referred to. analysed formulations, legally irrelevant conventional reading text, participate semiosis both contain them entire laws. In way, incorporate into their complex meanings either religious expressions, mythologised ideological figures historical memory associated with collective identity.