This publication was prepared in connection with the 70th anniversary of Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Honored Professor of Moscow State University Yu. S. Kukushkin. The collection includes the results of research on topical problems of Russian history and historiography. On the basis of archival and other data first introduced into scientific circulation, the use of new approaches in the analysis of the processes of the emergence and development of Soviet statehood, the authors offer their views on the regulation and improvement of the constitutional system. Particular attention is paid to the problems of Russian federalism and the national issue. Revealing the deep causes of the crisis of the USSR at the turn of the 80-90s, the authors analyze the content of this process and its consequences. The issues of practical improvement of the modern statehood of Russia are also considered and a number of recommendations are substantiated. The book is designed for specialists - historians, political scientists and everyone who is interested in the history of the Russian State.