The article examines the history, essence and legal nature of the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation, raises issues of responsibility for their non-fulfillment. Using the example of administrative legislation, it is shown that presidential instructions are a powerful incentive to improve Russian legislation. The authors conclude that since the establishment of the constitutionality of the instructions, they have begun to play a leading role as vectors of the development of the state. In the context of international sanctions, new threats and challenges, including socio-economic ones, facing the Russian Federation, the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation are an effective way to respond promptly to the changing situation in the field of public administration. In this regard, their legal nature, the range of addressees, and issues of liability for non-performance or improper performance need clearer legal regulation.