partystate

A party state is a political system where one political party holds a monopoly on political power and dominates all aspects of the state. In such a system, other political parties are either outlawed, severely restricted, or have no realistic chance of gaining power. The ruling party is often deeply intertwined with the state apparatus, controlling the government, judiciary, military, and often the economy.

The concept of a party state is distinct from a dominant-party system, where one party consistently wins elections but opposition parties are still legally allowed to compete and can potentially win. In a party state, the electoral process, if it exists, is typically not free or fair, and the ruling party ensures its perpetuation through various means, including control of information, suppression of dissent, and manipulation of institutions.

Historically, many communist states operated as party states, with the Communist Party being the sole legal or de facto ruling entity. Fascist regimes also often exhibited characteristics of party states. The ideology of the ruling party is usually pervasive, shaping national identity, education, and public discourse. The absence of genuine political competition and accountability can lead to authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights abuses. The longevity of a party state depends on its ability to maintain control through repression, ideology, and the co-option of elites.