30 Years of the Constitution of the Russian Federation: Traditional Values and New Priorities

Abstract

On the eve of the 30th Anniversary of the Constitution of Russia, the author makes an attempt to evaluate the Russian basic law, the content of the norms enshrined in the Constitution for their compliance with traditional values, i.e., spirituality, conciliarity, and civilizational identity inherent in the peoples of Russia. The anniversary date makes it possible to comprehend the meaning of traditional values, their reflection in the basic laws of the Russian State adopted in different historical periods. The author examines approaches to the concept of constitutional (constitutionally significant, constitutionally protected) values expressed in the legal standings of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation. The author elucidates various interpretations of the concept of «constitutional values» in the works of modern researchers, proves their relationship with the concept of «traditional values.» The conclusion is substantiated that only the goals, principles and priorities that are based on traditional values will be provided with popular support and will be able to become real prospects for constitutional development.