Communists are individuals who support the political and economic ideology of communism. This system advocates for the collective ownership of the means of production, aiming to eliminate class distinctions and promote equality among all members of society. In a communist system, resources and goods are distributed based on need rather than profit. Historically, communism has been associated with various political movements and governments, most notably in the 20th century with the rise of the Soviet Union and Maoist China. These regimes sought to implement communist principles, often leading to significant social and economic changes, as well as controversies regarding human rights and governance.