Lecture course on the political history of Russia and foreign countries. The main stages of the development of the main political institutions in Russia in close relationship with their foreign counterparts are briefly analyzed. The manual includes basic materials for studying the political history of Russia and preparing for an exam in the relevant discipline, examination questions, a list of recommended for preparing literature for the designated course and documents for preparing for the colloquium. The publication is intended both for the training of students studying in the direction 030200 - "Political Science" - undergraduate, and for everyone who is interested in the domestic past.