Communist party

A communist party is defined as a political party based on the principles of communism and the constituting of the working class into a party consistent with its class interests, advocating the abolition of private property. The theoretical conclusions of the communist party are based on the existing relations of production, and the class antagonisms that spring from there.

Many political parties have existed that styled or named themselves communists and advocated the maintenance of private property through various schemes. Usually by advocating nationalisation from above where the immediate producers continue to confront the means of production as their non-property. Most of these parties have a Stalinist ideology. These parties are not considered in this article.

Vanguardism

It is debatable whether the communist party is or should be a vanguard party.

Mass or Minority Party

Debate exists as to whether the communists should try to form as mass political party and movement or focus on a minority or cadre party.

Structure

There is considerable debate about the most appropriate decision-making structure of the communist party. Democratic centralism, federalism, organic centralism are some proposed structures.