Einheitspartei

Einheitspartei, meaning "unity party" or "single party," refers to a political system where only one political party is legally allowed to exist and hold power. In such a system, all other political parties are either banned or suppressed, effectively eliminating political opposition. The ruling Einheitspartei typically controls all branches of government, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

The concept of an Einheitspartei is often associated with totalitarian and authoritarian regimes. In these states, the party's ideology permeates all aspects of society, and dissent is not tolerated. The party's leadership usually wields absolute power, and membership in the party is often a prerequisite for social advancement or employment. Propaganda is a common tool used by Einheitsparteien to maintain public support and justify their rule.

Historically, many communist and fascist states have operated under an Einheitspartei system. Examples include the Soviet Union under the Communist Party, Nazi Germany under the National Socialist German Workers' Party, and the People's Republic of China under the Communist Party of China. In these cases, the party presented itself as the sole legitimate representative of the people's will and the vanguard of the revolution or national destiny.

While the term Einheitspartei strictly refers to a single legal party, in practice, some states might permit a limited number of subservient satellite parties that do not challenge the ruling party's authority. These parties often serve to create a superficial appearance of pluralism without offering genuine political competition. The absence of a free and fair electoral process is a defining characteristic of states with an Einheitspartei.