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]]. |