Abstract: The subject of the study is Russian political education in the context of modern challenges. Using systemic and structural-functional approaches as methodological grounds, the author analyzes the goals and content of political education as structural elements of a unified system, subject to certain patterns in their functioning. In addition, the connection between the system of political education and the external environment, which is the socio-political practice of Russian society and the activities of state institutions, is considered. Factors that contribute to increasing the importance of political education in modern conditions are identified. The works of domestic and foreign researchers devoted to political education, as well as social and humanitarian knowledge in general, were used. Their recommendations are compared with the concept of the new academic discipline “Fundamentals of Russian Statehood,” introduced in Russian universities on September 1, 2023. The importance of the educational component in the educational process of a modern university is revealed, since the content of education includes not only a scientific, but also a value component. Conclusions are drawn about the need to form in the political consciousness and culture of students the values of citizenship and patriotism, as well as the formation of historical memory, historical consciousness, the idea of connection with their country, its past, present and future. The principle of narrowly professional training of specialists is criticized, since it contradicts not only the education of a citizen, but also the humanization of education, its orientation towards creating conditions for the realization of freedom and self-development of the person.