Communism is a political and economic system in which the means of production, distribution and exchange are commonly owned and equally distributed. It is based on the principle of “from each according to his capacity and to each according to his needs”. It is the last stage or highest stage of socialism. Karl Marx is regarded as the father of communism.

Features of Communism

The following features are associated with communism:

1. Collective ownership: The principle advocated for common, collective and public ownership of means of production and distribution for the benefit of all and sundry.
2. Classless society: The principle aimed at achieving a society without classes where there will be no distinction between the rich and the poor.
3. Equitable distribution: The principle also aimed at achieving equitable distribution of resources, goods and services to the citizens to improve their economic welfare and standard of living.
4. One party system: The system allowed one party to exist and operate in the state without any form of official opposition.
5. Application of force: The state in association with the poor and the working class employed the use of force and violence in achieving the idea of classless society.
6. Autocratic in nature: Communism possesses almost all the elements of autocratic government as it was applicable to fascism and totalitarian government.
7. The economy is collectively planned.

The Origin and Development of Communism

Communism as an economic/political philosophy was founded by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the second half of the 19^th century. This idea was published in “the Communist Manifesto” in 1848. Their aim was to end capitalism believing that it was the social class system that led to the exploitation of workers. The exploited workers would, according to them be a fundamental process of class conflict that would be resolved through revolution struggle.

In the ensuing conflict, the proletariat will rise against the bourgeoisie and established a communist society. The state will pass through a stage referred  to as socialism and settle eventually on a pure communist society.  In a communist society, all private ownership will be abolished and the means of production will belong to the entire community. The need of a society would then be put above and beyond specific needs of an individual.

Karl Marx traced the evolution of communism from five stages of the economic system. According to him, the stages are as follow:

1. Primitive society.
2. Feudalism
3. capitalism
4. socialism
5. Communism

Communism is the last stage of socialism.

The Principles of Communism

The following are the principles of communism:

1. The ownership, management and control of all economic sectors and units are vested in the state.
2. There is collectivism in ownership of small-scale agricultural and trading activities.
3. The economy is centrally planned.
4. One party system is adopted and there is no room for opposition.
5. Political powers and decision making are centralized.
6. Priority is given to the need of the people or masses over the needs of individuals or group of individuals, no matter how highly placed.
7. The contribution to and distribution of national wealth is based on the principle “ from each according to his ability and to each according to his needs”.

The Relationship between Socialism and Communism

1. Socialism advocates collective ownership of factors of production which are organised for the benefit of all while communism is a revolutionary system that advocates the elimination of capitalism, class, state and establishments of common ownership of factors of production.
2. Socialism permits existence of the capitalist class (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat) with the domination of the bourgeoisie by the proletariat. While communism establishes a classless society.
3. Socialism is a stage in the transition from capitalism to communism, while communism is the last stage of socialism.
4. Socialism may be attained by evolutionary or peaceful means while communism can be attained through violent and revolutionary means.
5. Socialism gives to each worker according to his ability while communism gives to each worker according to his needs.
6. Communism is utopian i.e. it cannot be obtained while socialism is realistic.

EVALUATION

1. Define communism.
2. State three (3) features of communism.
3. Explain the relationship between socialism and communism.
4. State four (4) principles of communism.
5. What are the major differences between socialism and communism?

FASCISM AND TOTALITARIANISM

CONTENT

Fascism

1. The Meaning of Fascism
2. Characteristics of Fascism

Totalitarianism

1. Meaning of Totalitarianism
2. Characteristics of Totalitarianism

Fascism

The Meaning of Fascism

Fascism can be defined as a political ideology and a system of government headed by a privileged elite dictator who exercises total control and promotes nationalism where socialism is discouraged. Fascism was a type of dictatorial government established in Italy under Benito Mussolini between 1922 and 1933. It was a form of authoritarianism. Under fascism, people’s lives are completely controlled by the state.

Characteristics of Fascism

The following are the characteristics of fascism:

1. All powers in the state are vested in the leader who exercises total control over the entire people.
2. All aspect of life of the citizens such as education, religion, size of a family, etc.are controlled by the government.
3. Workers are not allowed to go on strike and there is no freedom of the press.
4. Fascism believes in war as a viable means of settling dispute between nations and for the attainment of international peace.
5. Fascism does not believe in the equality of man but believes in class structure in the society.
6. It is against democratic principles e.g. rule of law, mass political participation, constitutionalism, etc.
7. Under the system, the state embarks on imperialistic expansion and domination of other countries politically and economically e.g. Germany between 1911-1945.
8. There is lack of respect for international laws and conventions.
9. The economy is highly centralised since the means of production and distribution are controlled by the government.
10. Only one political party is allowed to practise.

Totalitarianism

Meaning of Totalitarianism

Totalitarianism is a government headed by a dictator. It is a type of government in which the state takes total control of all the activities of the people and complete control of everything in the state. Examples of totalitarian regimes are Nazist government in Germany, fascist government in Italy, and communist government in defunct USSR.

Characteristics of Totalitarianism

The following are the characteristics of totalitarianism:

1. Existence of one party system.
2. Total control of everything in the state.
3. The use of force and terror to enforce the will of the state by the rulers.
4. Existence of a single ideology and philosophy.
5. There is suppression of individual’s initiatives.
6. State control of the mass media.
7. The individual has no fundamental right, what he has is only fundamental duties.
8. Freedom of speech and association is abolished.
9. It is the supreme authority that controls everything.

EVALUATION

1. Define fascism.
2. State five features of fascism.
3. Fascism originated from where and under whose government.

What is totalitarianism