p Communist construction is characterised by the further growth of the role and importance of the Communist Party as the leading and directing force of Soviet society. This is a law-governed process springing from the objective development of Soviet society, from the massive growth of the scale and complexity of the tasks involved in the building of communism, the unprecedented upswing of creative activity by the masses, the drawing of millions upon millions of people into the management of production and the administration of the state, the further extension of socialist democracy, the mounting role of the theory of Marxism-Leninism in the life and development of society, and the communist education of the people.

p The Party provides society with scientific leadership on the basis of a realistic assessment of potentialities and reserves, of a sober evaluation of the trends and laws of social development and a close study of its own experience and the experience of other socialist countries. The Party unswervingly applies the Leninist standards 288 and principles of Party and state activity. The most important of these principles, which may be described as the Party’s tested instrument and greatest possession, is that of collective leadership, whose immutability is confirmed in the Party Programme and Rules.

p Only by resting on this principle is it possible correctly to direct and promote the constantly growing creative energy and activity of the Party and the people, correctly analyse and soberly evaluate the objective situation and achieved successes, and opportunely bring to light and completely eradicate shortcomings. The Party therefore makes it obligatory that the principle of collective leadership is rigidly observed in all its organisations, from primary cells to the Central Committee.

p In the resolution passed by the 23rd Congress of the C.P.S.U. it is pointed out that a scientific approach, teamwork and efficiency in the leadership of communist construction and in pursuing the domestic and foreign policy of the Soviet state should continue to be the cornerstone of all the activities of the Central Committee.

Constant contact with the masses is the fundamental law guiding the life and work of the Party. The Party not only teaches and educates the masses, but also learns from them and generalises their enormous experience. Together with the people and together with the socialist government, in which the people are broadly represented, the Party resolves the major tasks of communist construction. Unity between the Party and the people is the guarantee of the successful building of communism.