Abstract: The present article is devoted to studying the principle of centralism and decentralization in organization and activity by state authorities in the Russian Federation. The author of the article analyzes the role of this principle in the system of principes forming the basis of establishment and functioning of state apparatus in the country. The author studies the degree of reinforcement of the principle of centralism and decentralization in organization and activity of certain branches of state power. The author of the artilcle also describes a number of problems preventing from efficient implementation of the principle of centralism and decentralization in the process of formation and functioning of the Russian Federation state apparatus as well as develops and validates suggestions and recommendations on how to eliminate these problems. 

Keywords: legal studies, central authorities, problems, subjects, sovereignty, power, centralism and decentralization, principle of organization and activity, Constitution of the Russian Federation, central authorities