The idea that the proletarian state would wither away is a core concept associated with which ideology?

The idea that the proletarian state would wither away is a core concept associated with which ideology?

• A. Liberal democracy
• B. Communism
• C. Fascism
• D. Capitalism

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is the belief that, under communism, the state would eventually become unnecessary and wither away as class differences disappear and a classless, stateless society emerges. In Marxist theory, the state is seen as an instrument of the ruling class to maintain its power. Once the workers—through the dictatorship of the proletariat—overcome the old capitalist order and abolish private property in the means of production, there’s no need for coercive state machinery to manage class rule. Over time, with production organized to meet everyone's needs and antagonisms dissolved, the state would lose its purpose and fade away, leaving a voluntary, cooperative society. This contrasts with liberal democracy, which envisions a continuing constitutional state that protects rights through law and electoral processes. Fascism centers on a strong, centralized authoritarian state that enforces conformity and suppresses dissent. Capitalism prioritizes private property and market relations within a state framework aimed at maintaining those conditions, not eroding the state itself.

The idea being tested is the belief that, under communism, the state would eventually become unnecessary and wither away as class differences disappear and a classless, stateless society emerges. In Marxist theory, the state is seen as an instrument of the ruling class to maintain its power. Once the workers—through the dictatorship of the proletariat—overcome the old capitalist order and abolish private property in the means of production, there’s no need for coercive state machinery to manage class rule. Over time, with production organized to meet everyone's needs and antagonisms dissolved, the state would lose its purpose and fade away, leaving a voluntary, cooperative society.

This contrasts with liberal democracy, which envisions a continuing constitutional state that protects rights through law and electoral processes. Fascism centers on a strong, centralized authoritarian state that enforces conformity and suppresses dissent. Capitalism prioritizes private property and market relations within a state framework aimed at maintaining those conditions, not eroding the state itself.