The article deals with the formation of the foundations of the social state in Russia at the turn of the XIX–XX centuries. At the same time, the emphasis is placed on the fact that representatives of political elite, diff ering in various ideological views and ideas about the ideal form of government, could agree on the need to expand social functions of the state. The aim of the article is to determine the infl uence of ideas about the need to build a social state in Russia and certain elements of this idea implemented in life on reducing contradictions in the ranks of the ruling elite. The most signifi cant sources are the documentation of political parties in Russia, which were formed at the beginning of the XX century and took part in the work of the State Duma. These sources allow us to see that, despite sometimes signifi cant diff erences in issues concerning the form of government, the state structure and political freedoms, most parties were inclined to recognize the need for the development of a social state in Russia. This was manifested in the introduction of relevant items in the party programs devoted to the working issue, development of the state insurance system, as well as the introduction of free education. The results of the study show that in Russia, as in most European countries, there was a gradual understanding of the need to build a social state. At the same time, consensus on this issue could help reduce the level of contradictions in the ruling elite. However, some discrepancies in specifi c programs of political parties regarding the elements of the welfare state could act as reasons for confl icts.