Genesis of ideas federalism in the social and political thought pre-revolutionary Russia

The article deals with the development ideas of federalism in the works Russian scientists XVIII-XX centuries, identified the so-called «Western» and «National» unitary vector possible federalization of the Russian Empire, supporters and opponents of these views, the argument of their position. Particular attention is given to the discussion of the national question and federations among Russian Marxists, primarily in the works of V. Lenin and J. Stalin.