Election of governor in Orenburg region in 2014 in the context of electorate’s political mentality

On the basis of the population surveys carried out in the Orenburg region and the analysis of the approval ratings of politicians, the article defines the nature of political mentality of the local electorate. According to the author, patriarchal sentiments of potential voters are determined by the lack of public confidence, the identity of population (including the youth) that is mainly personal, rather than civic, the low level of personal responsibility and sense of justice, the sacralization of power. Formation of institutions of national solidarity may encourage the citizens, strengthen their patriotism.