What kind of political system do most communist countries have?

Communism is a political ideology which tries to bring equality and demolishes class distinction in society. It is a branch of Socialism and was widely practised in the ex Soviet Union and its satellite Eastern European countries and other countries such as China, Cuba, North Korea, etc.

Communism is the antithesis of Capitalism and tries to find a solution for problems created by the latter and the capitalist market. The Communist slogan is "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs."

Karl Marx is recognised as the founder of Communism. He is the author of the manifest "Des Kapital". He believed that the working class, which he labelled as the proletariat, needs to take in charge of society, by overthrowing the ruling capitalist class. In communism, the proletariat is considered to be as the main contributor of wealth in society, but they are exploited by the bourgeoisie. Therefore a revolution is essential so that the working class takes control. The ideal society would be one without class distinction.

According to Marxian theory, it is the State which is important in society, the State which provides for the welfare of all people in society and that all must be treated as equal. Marxism opposes the idea of private ownership and religious freedom. Various religions were suppressed in Russia during the Communist era. Christian churches in Communist ex Soviet Union had to go underground. In reality, communism never functioned according to Marx's idealism. "Some were more equals than others", this includes parliamentary members of the ex Soviet Union.

Communism was practised by Lenin, Stalin and other Russian leaders. It is important to note that Marx never stated how his theory could be put into practise.