Government {SS1}: Communism, Feudalism, Fascism and Totalitarianism

Government, SS 1 Week: 7

Topic: Communism, Fascism and Totalitarianism

Communism

Communism may be defined as a political and economic system in which the community through the common ownership, collectively controls all the means of production of goods and services, exchange and distribution.

Karl Marx (1818-1883) writes that; communism will be achieved if the state serves as an instrument of coercion and repression cease to exist. The slogan of communism is from “each according to his ability and to each according to his needs”.

Characteristics of Communism

1. The state applies the use of force to achieve goals.
2. Most communist states are one-party state.
3. The economic planning is highly centralized.
4. The community through the common ownership collectively controls all the means of production.
5. Productive activities are meant for common purposes.
6. Class distinction in the system is discouraged.
7. There is equal distribution of the nation’s wealth among citizens.
8. Communism arose as an attack on the evils of industrialization.
9. Most communist leaders are dictators.

Feudalism

Feudalism can be defined as the identification of landed property with sovereignty over a parcel of land which becomes a private hereditary possession and an asset to the family.

Characteristics of Feudalism

1. Vassals hold land in trust for the Lords.
2. There was evidence of a close personal bond between the lord and the vassal.
3. If a vassal dies without heirs, his property is reverted to the Lord.
4. If a vassal was guilty of treason, the lord might claim his possession by forfeiture.
5. This system is based on land ownership.
6. The overlords are duty bound to offer protection to themselves.

Merits of Feudalism

1. Order and personal loyalty: Feudalism gave some order and avoided total chaos by bringing together the strong sentiments of personal loyalty connected with the possession of land.
2. Frame work: Feudalism provided a temporary frame work of order on which a true and reliable national life could grow.
3. Self-reliance: It fostered among the big lords, self reliance and love of personal independence.
4. Spirit of liberty: Feudalism succeeded in keeping alive the spirit of liberty in medieval Europe.

Demerits of Feudalism

1. Inability to form strong national government.
2. State of anarchy was inevitable in such a system.
3. The system was based on confusion and was badly organised.
4. The state was roughly disintegrated and could no longer act as a whole.
5. There is obedience to common law.
6. Feudalism created confusion between private and public rights.

Fascism

Fascism is defined as a form of government headed by a dictator in which government has a total control over all activities in the state and personal liberties are denied the people. It originated in Italy under Benito Mussolin.

Features of Fascism

1. The leader has all the powers of the state, i.e. legislative, judicial and executive powers.
2. All authority and rights within the state originates from the leader.
3. It is limited to the few elite groups.
4. No political opposition is tolerated or allowed.
5. It denies individuals of their liberties.
6. Government owns and controls the mass media as a means of propaganda.
7. The state’s economy is highly centralised.

Totalitarianism

Totalitarianism is defined as a form of government in which the state has absolute control of everything, including all aspects of the citizens’ life. In this form of government, law is seen as a product of the will of rulers.

Features of Totalitarianism

1. There is no limit to the powers of the government because there is no constitution.
2. The government is headed by a dictator.
3. People are given little or no attention.
4. The government uses force to suppress those who oppose any of its policies.
5. There is absolute control of the mass media.
6. It is a highly centralised economy.
7. The system is usually practiced in a one-party state.