In Soviet politics, there were three competing centers of power: the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU), the Committee for State Security or KGB, and the Soviet Military. The people of the Soviet Union were excluded from participation in the political process and without political rights. | In Soviet politics, there were three competing centers of power: the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU), the Committee for State Security or KGB, and the Soviet Military. The people of the Soviet Union were excluded from participation in the political process and without political rights. |