Abstract: The core or essence of the modern poli tical civi lizat ion is rule by la w which is the basic character of social is t poli tical civilization. Its essence is the democratic poli tics based on rule by law. The formation of the socialist poli tical civil ization evolves f rom rule by men to rule by law. The const ruction of a social is t country based on rule by law is the historical development of modern poli t ical civi lizat ion.

Key words: political civilization, rule by law, democratic politics