The article shows the necessity of active participation of state in political socialization of its citizens. It also names key components of political socialization, describes specific character of political socialization in a totalitarian state, where it lies in striving to weaken influence of other agents of political socialization. The article notes the new leverage gained by state in democratic society in order to influence political socialization. There are some examples of political identity formation among citizens of the United States given. The article considers the crisis of political identity among citizens of the contemporary Russia resulting from domination of spontaneous political socialization. Special attention is given to the role of the state in the times of political reforms, when the state becomes responsible for molding of certain qualities in citizens required by the emerged political system. Using the results of some opinion polls the author singles out problems of perception of the government by citizens, political apathy, caused by the lack of integral political education, inadequacy of educational materials and course books. The above mentioned problems lead to low political literacy of secondary school students. The article points out the necessity of active participation of state in political socialization of its citizens.