What is a fundamental premise of communism?

A fundamental premise of communism is the concept of public ownership of property and the distribution of resources based on needs. This means that instead of individuals privately owning resources and means of production, those assets are collectively owned by the community as a whole. The goal is to eliminate class distinctions and ensure that everyone has access to the resources necessary for survival and well-being, regardless of their individual contributions to society.

By prioritizing collective ownership, communism aims to create a more equal society where wealth is distributed in accordance with individual needs rather than market forces or personal investment. This contrasts starkly with systems that emphasize individual ownership or private investment, which can lead to inequalities and a concentration of wealth among a few. Thus, the emphasis on public ownership and need-based distribution is central to the ideology of communism.