Dmitriy G. Vasilevich

The article focuses on the constitutional changes in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, aimed at the protection of spiritual and moral values. It is concluded that in the current conditions there is a clear retreat in Western countries from the recognition of the absolute nature of personal (inalienable) rights, and, on the contrary, the adoption of legal measures to limit them and even to establish responsibility for those actions that do not fit into the formed mainstream, which is confirmed by the facts of discrimination on the basis of nationality, use of native language, restrictions on freedom of religion, freedom of movement, as well as property rights and others. The author consolidates with the position of those scholars who believe that values are the highest level of social regulation, the basis for the development of personality and maintenance of legal order in society. Attention is drawn to the similarity of the new constitutional norms of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus in terms of strengthening traditional family values, the formation of respect for the feat of arms of the people during the Great Patriotic War, the need to honor the memory of the defenders of the Fatherland, to ensure the protection of historical truth and others. The analysis of amendments and additions to the constitutions of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus convinces us of the desire of our states to preserve the basic constitutional values, to strengthen them, to provide for measures aimed at preventing emerging threats to the unity of society and the erosion of public consciousness.

The article is devoted to the analysis of the content of the principle of social responsibility of everyone for the well-being of society and the state. One of its manifestations is the principle of generational solidarity. The current trend in the development of relations between a person, society and the state in the context of current challenges and threats necessitates the search for an optimal balance between these subjects, optimizing the ratio of rights and obligations. The elements of the social responsibility structure are the subject of the specified responsibility (an individual or a group of people), the object of social responsibility (the range of social relations for the development of which the subject bears social responsibility) and the social community, acting as an authority that evaluates, stimulates and controls the subject’s activities. Consolidation of common efforts is an important guarantee of State sovereignty, independence, national interests, and economic prosperity. The article analyzes the legal regulation in this area in the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus and the People’s Republic of China. The significant role of not only legal norms, but also other social norms, which remain highly effective, is emphasized, which is characteristic of Chinese traditions. 

For the Republic of Belarus, taking into account the constitutional norm on social responsibility of everyone, the need to make a feasible contribution to the development of society and the state, the concept of “positive responsibility” is the theoretical basis for filling the legal content of “social responsibility” in resolving the dichotomy “duty — obligation”.