Communist parties are political organizations that advocate for the principles of communism, a socio-economic ideology that seeks to establish a classless society where the means of production are owned collectively. These parties aim to eliminate private property and promote the idea that wealth should be distributed according to need rather than individual effort. Historically, communist parties have played significant roles in various countries, often leading to the establishment of one-party states. Notable examples include the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and the Chinese Communist Party, both of which have influenced global politics and economics throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.