'' From each according to his ability to each according to his needs' is the principle of

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which ideology is summed up by the phrase "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs."

Step 2: Explain the concept This phrase comes from Karl Marx's Critique of the Gotha Programme (1875). Marx described two stages of post-capitalist society:

• Socialism (lower stage): "From each according to his ability, to each according to his work (contribution)." Rewards depend on how much a person contributes.
• Communism (higher stage): "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs." The society has abundant goods, no classes, and no state. People give what they can and take what they need.

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Communism: This is the principle of the higher stage of Marxist society, so it matches the phrase.
• B. Socialism: This is close and often confused with communism, but its classic principle is "to each according to his work."
• C. Capitalism: This is based on private ownership and the profit motive, with rewards determined by the market. It does not fit.
• D. Communalism: This refers to communal living or loyalty to one's community or ethnic group, as in traditional African societies. It is not the Marxist principle.

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is **A.

Exam tip: Remember the difference with this pair:

• Socialism = "according to work"
• Communism = "according to needs"

Both begin with "from each according to his ability," so the second half of the phrase is what tells you which one it is. Keep practising questions like this. You're doing well!