The article, on the basis of the sociological survey results, deals with the attitude of Russians to the possibility of their rights and freedoms protection. The main attention is paid to how the willingness of Russians to protect their rights is related to their perceptions of a just society and the real possibilities of their participation in social and political activities. It is shown that the willingness of different social groups to actively protect their rights is caused by a specific set of factors, motivations and opportunities for a civic participation. Youth, citizens of working age and with higher education, as well as citizens identify themselves to a higher social class, are ready to actively defend their rights. However, worsening of socio-economic conditions and narrowing of institutional possibilities to solve existing problems can lead to activation of citizens in their struggle for the rights at any territorial community, region, social group or field of activity. It is concluded that the protection of socio-economic rights is more important for the Russians than the protection of political rights. Certainly, civic activity is an important factor in ensuring social and political stability, reducing risk of radicalization in public sentiments and growth of offenses.