The article is devoted to solving the urgent scientific problem of periodization of the history of state awarding in the USSR within the framework of Russian historical and legal science. As the main criterion for identifying chronological stages, it is proposed to use the analysis of the transformation of the institution of delegation of powers in the sphere of awarding from the highest state authorities to other state bodies. Delegation is considered as a key diagnostic feature that allows assessing the degree of constitutional formalization of the award prerogative, the level of centralization of public administration, as well as the ability of the legal system to adapt to external and internal challenges.