Summary. The purpose of the article is to outline the functional potential of historical memory and analyze its role in the practices and strategies of political education of youth. The methodological basis of research serve as key principles of scientific knowledge: scientific, systematic, historical and pluralism. The article uses such methods as: problem-chronological, systemic and structural, logical and analytical, empirical and theoretical. The scientific novelty. It has been proved that recourse to historical memory can be an effective tool for political education and upbringing of young people, but it directly depends on the goals set by the state and government. Conclusions. The article identifies the features of political education in Ukraine and analyzes the impact on this process of the main components of historical memory, its socio-cultural and spiritual space. The process of political education is multifaceted in purpose, objectives, content, forms, methods and techniques. The implementation of political education, taking into account the pragmatism of historical memory as its relevant component, requires updating the content and methods of studying social sciences and humanities and creating a system of political education and upbringing in the state. Among the characteristic features of historical memory that determine its pragmatic conceptualizations are its emotional coloration and selectivity. The pragmatic orientation of historical memory determines the choice of current historical figures and events. In this way, the heroes of the national-state version of history are personalities who are a kind of symbols of the formation and establishment of statehood.