Communism vs. Oligarchy — What's the Difference?

Communism (from Latin communis, 'common, universal') is a philosophical, social, political, and economic ideology and movement whose ultimate goal is the establishment of a communist society, namely a socioeconomic order structured upon the ideas of common ownership of the means of production and the absence of social classes, money, and, in some cases, the state. As such, communism is a specific form of socialism.

Oligarchy (from Greek ὀλιγαρχία (oligarkhía); from ὀλίγος (olígos) 'few', and ἄρχω (arkho) 'to rule or to command') is a form of power structure in which power rests with a small number of people. These people may or may not be distinguished by one or several characteristics, such as nobility, fame, wealth, education, corporate, religious, political, or military control.

A theoretical economic system characterized by the collective ownership of property and by the organization of labor for the common advantage of all members.

Government by a few, especially by a small faction of persons or families.

A system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single, often authoritarian party holds power, claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people.

Those making up such a government.

The Marxist-Leninist doctrine advocating revolution to overthrow the capitalist system and establish a dictatorship of the proletariat that will eventually evolve into a perfectly egalitarian and communal society.

A state governed by a few persons.

Any far-left political ideology or philosophy advocating holding the production of resources collectively, especially by seizing it through revolution.

A government run by only a few, often the wealthy.

Any political social system that implements a communist political philosophy.

Those who make up an oligarchic government.

The international socialist society where classes, money, and the state no longer exist.

A state ruled by such a government.

A scheme of equalizing the social conditions of life; specifically, a scheme which contemplates the abolition of inequalities in the possession of property, as by distributing all wealth equally to all, or by holding all wealth in common for the equal use and advantage of all.

A form of government in which the supreme power is placed in the hands of a few persons; also, those who form the ruling few.

A form of socialism that abolishes private ownership

A political system governed by a few people

A political theory favoring collectivism in a classless society