A characteristic feature of communism is __________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for a characteristic feature of communism, a political and economic ideology, so we need the option that fits it.

Step 2: Explain the concept Communism, based on the ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and later developed by Lenin, has these key features:

• The state or community owns the means of production (no private ownership of major property).
• There is a classless society in theory.
• Central planning of the economy.
• A single-party system, usually led by the Communist Party, which in practice becomes a "dictatorship of the proletariat" (as in the USSR, China, Cuba and North Korea).
• Limited or no political opposition and restricted individual freedoms.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Free enterprise: This belongs to capitalism, where individuals own businesses and compete in the market. Communism rejects it.
• B. Liberal democracy: This means competitive elections, individual rights and rule of law. It is associated with capitalist states, not communism.
• C. Dictatorship: Communist states are ruled by one party, with power concentrated in a few leaders. Marx himself spoke of the "dictatorship of the proletariat." This fits.
• D. Multi-party system: Communism operates a one-party system, so this is incorrect.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. Dictatorship.

Exam tip: Match ideologies to their hallmarks:

• Capitalism → free enterprise, private ownership
• Socialism → state involvement, welfare
• Communism → state ownership + one-party rule/dictatorship
• Liberal democracy → multi-party system, free elections

If an option mentions free enterprise or multi-party competition, think capitalism or democracy, not communism.