Which statement best defines a communist form of government as it has traditionally been understood in political theory?

Introduction / Context:
Communism is both an economic and political idea that has been implemented in various forms in different countries, especially during the twentieth century. In practice, so called communist States developed characteristic political structures. This question is not about the ideal theory of communism in books, but about how communist governments have commonly been organised in real life, especially in relation to political parties and control of the economy.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for a definition of a communist government.
• Options mention autocracy, one party rule, power concentrated in a single leader, and limited voting.
• We assume the context of real world communist regimes such as those in the former Soviet Union, China, and other socialist States.
• The focus is on political structure, particularly the role of a single party.

Concept / Approach:
In practice, most communist governments have been organised as one party States in which a communist party monopolises political power. The party controls the main state institutions, directs economic planning, and often manages social and cultural organisations. While there may be elections, they typically occur within the framework defined by the ruling party, without genuine competition from other parties. This is distinct from autocracy based purely on a hereditary monarch and from systems where limited voting exists but multiple parties operate. Therefore, the best short definition is that a communist government is led by one political party that controls the state and the major parts of the economy.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that communist States usually have a ruling communist party that dominates political life and does not share power with rival parties.Step 2: Think of examples such as the Communist Party of the Soviet Union or the Communist Party of China, which served as the central authority over state and economy.Step 3: Recognise that although a powerful party leader may exist, institutions and policies are formally channelled through the party rather than based on hereditary rule.Step 4: Review the options. One option explicitly mentions a government led by one political party that controls the state and economy, which matches real world patterns.Step 5: Other options refer to monarchy, absolute individual leadership, or limited voting without emphasising one party control.Step 6: Select the option that correctly highlights single party rule and economic control as defining features.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard descriptions of communist systems in political science note that they are one party States with central planning of the economy. Constitutions of such countries often describe the communist party as the leading force of society and the State. While individual leaders like Stalin or Mao became extremely powerful, they acted within a party framework. There is no hereditary monarchy and voting, when it exists, usually takes place within lists approved by the party. These details confirm that single party leadership controlling state and economy is the most accurate brief definition among the options.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• A communist government is an autocracy led by a single hereditary monarch: This describes monarchy, not communist party rule.
• A communist government gives all real power only to a single individual party leader for life: In practice some leaders became dominant, but the formal system is based on party control, not personal monarchy.
• A communist government allows only limited and purely symbolic voting without any party control: Limited voting may occur, but communist governments are defined by party control, not by absence of party influence.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes use the word communist loosely as a synonym for dictatorship in general. While many communist States have been authoritarian, what makes them distinct is the central role of a single ruling party and public ownership or control of key economic sectors. Another confusion is to mix communism with monarchy or pure military rule. Remember that the typical communist government is a one party system where the party directs both political and economic life, which is the core idea captured in the correct option.

Final Answer:
The statement that best defines a communist government is that it is led by one political party that controls the state and the main levers of the economy.