The article is devoted to understanding of such social phenomenon as political trust of the population, an essential element of successful functioning and reproduction of society. The paper focuses on the major areas of research in which this phenomenon is considered. Particular attention is focused on the analysis of trust in terms of an interdisciplinary approach. The characteristics of trust in politics in general, as well as confidence in the political and public figures are identified and described. The article clarifies and specifies the definition of trust, formulated in the framework of modern methodology. The authors substantiate the idea that the level of trust in the authorities can determine the level of political trust. This constitutes the most important conditions for the success of political parties, activists and government agencies. The level of influence of authorities in society depends on the degree of efficiency of public administration and public satisfaction with the activity. The results of public opinion surveys in the entire Russian Federation and the Republic of Komi in particular by measuring the level of public confidence in the public authorities and the satisfaction of their activities for five years (2007 to 2011) are given.