The article reveals the problems associated with the conceptualization of the term “populism” in the scientific community, the definition of its main characteristics, the use of populist practices in the political process, their manifestations in electoral campaigns. Particular attention is paid to the task of studying the perception and understanding of populism, the specifics of populist practices, and the peculiarities of political rhetoric during the election campaign for the State Duma of the 8th convocation on the territory of Moscow, both from the side of power and pro-government structures, and from the side of the systemic and non-systemic opposition. The article presents and analyzes the results of an expert survey conducted by the author among representatives of the professors at the leading universities in Moscow, the capital’s local government bodies, and acting political strategists.