Introduction. The constitutional and legal characteristic of the status of any body begins with identifi cation of its place in the system of power. It is this element that is permanently (continuously, incessantly) in the focus of the study of presidential power. Theoretical analysis. It is noted that the next constitutional reform of the Russian statehood is determined by a certain stage in the transformation of the presidential power, namely its modernization, constitutionalization and, ultimately, institutionalization. Empirical analysis. The practice of constitutional reform, conditioned by the transformation of the presidential power, is analyzed, and its new periodization is proposed on this basis. It has been proved that the content of the 2020 constitutional amendment is due to the constitutionalization of presidential powers in the sphere of public authority. At the current stage of the institutionalization of the presidential power, a proposal has been formulated to improve its legal regulation as a leading entity that ensures the unity of the system of public authorities. Results. The author concludes that the modern legal regime of public power is determined by the central place of the President of the Russian Federation in its system, which requires further constitutional and value regulation.