social state

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 article discusses the process and specificity of formation of the social state in the Russian Federation. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the implementation of social guarantees of the state in the economic crisis and worsening geopolitical situation.

The article considers traditional and normative bases of providing the balance between the state’s political functionality and civil society in post-soviet Russia. Exemplified by one of the most important articles of the Russian Constitution, possibility of different interpretation of the social state’s functionality and civil society potential for public problem solving in contemporary Russia is shown.