In Russian, Soviet literally means "council." In theory the system was going to create a voice for every member of the proletariat. In practice, however, it became a nightmare of despotism.
Source: The Soviet Union Began as a Democratic Experiment in Socialism - Foundation for Economic Education
The problem with Socialism, even so-called "Democratic Socialism", is that it requires a government with significant power over the people and for the government to take a significant portion of the fruit of their labor (even more than now). It also requires the government have the ability to make wise economic decisions regarding production which it has never shown itself capable of doing. These aren't the only problems with Socialism of course but they are enough to ensure eventual disaster.
I know some will say the Soviet Union did it wrong. The problem is there is no right way. Ultimately you have to use force and then you've already failed.