Annotation: Why did Stalin need to introduce a new democratic constitution at the height of his dictatorship? Why were so many mobilization efforts spent on its nationwide discussion for six months? Why did the adoption of the constitution in December 1936 suddenly take a turn toward the massive repressions of 1937–1938? This book by historian Olga Velikanova covers the political conditions for the introduction of democratic freedoms from above, as well as the people’s reactions from below to the promised step towards social reconciliation, liberalism, and inclusive electoral reform. Velikanova analyzes in detail public opinion expressed during discussions of constitutional law in this period, reinforcing her innovative conclusions about Soviet political culture in the 1930s with evidence from diaries, private letters, memoirs, and materials from foreign intelligence services. Party committee and NKVD reports from the regions detailed conflicting responses to the constitution and included warnings about internal adversaries and widespread discontent. As Velikanova claims, these reports may have changed Stalin's ideas about the Sovietization of society and moved him in another direction: toward cleansing the country of "anti-Soviet elements."