Abstract: The subject of this research is the degree of trust of the population of North Caucasian republics of the Russian Federation in government authorities of various level, as well as citizens’ attitude to parties and electoral institution. The object of this research is the political trust that is viewed as an essential factor for the effective democratic administration. The author reveals in detail the key approached towards examination of the phenomenon of political trust in foreign and national science. Particular attention is given to the dependence of trust in government authorities of population of the republics of North Caucasus from the economic indexes in the region and level of citizens’ content with their financial situation. Methodology includes the economic-statistical analysis based on the data of the Russian Federal State Statistics Service, as well as analysis of the results of sociological surveys conducted by separate scholars of political sciences and research groups among the population of North Caucasus over the period of 2010-2016. The scientific novelty is defined by the empirical proof that in terms of worsening of their financial situation, the citizens are not willing to trust the regional government authorities and administration. The republics of North Caucasus demonstrate the significant underrun in majority of socioeconomic indexes from other regions of Russia. The results of sociological surveys emphasize the higher level of trust in federal government authorities, particularly the institution of the President of the Russian Federation, rather than the regional political structures.

Keywords: socio-economic situation, North Caucasus, region, elections, parties, society, corruption, power, political trust, public consensus

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