The article analyzes political orientations of Russian population. The author reveals basic settings and paradoxes of consciousness of Russians about what is happening in the country in public processes, in voting preferences, and political identification. Attitudes of the population towards major political institutions are discussed towards political involvement and activity of Russians. It is concluded that political and social activity of Russians has shifted from federal to local level, towards “close range”. Protection of their private rights is transformed into a concern for common good. One civil/uncivil action turns into another, including the political.