p The state of the dictatorship of the proletariat is a state which exists in the period of the transition from capitalism to socialism. This period is characterised by a multistructural economy and the bitter class struggle between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. The crucial task facing the proletariat at that time is to break down the resistance of the bourgeoisie, and together with all the working people to build socialism. This task determines the functions of the proletarian state.

p One of the main domestic functions of the proletarian state in the transition period is the function of suppressing 291 the exploiting classes, the bourgeoisie in the first place. Deprived of its political domination the bourgeoisie in any country cannot reconcile itself to its defeat and the loss of power and privileges, and therefore viciously resists the victorious proletariat.

p The dictatorship of the proletariat is necessary for overcoming the resistance of the bourgeoisie, for defeating it in fierce class battles. “The dictatorship of the proletariat,” Lenin wrote, “means a most determined and most ruthless war waged by the new class against a more powerful enemy, the bourgeoisie, whose resistance is increased tenfold by its overthrow....”  [291•* 

p The suppression of the exploiters is a compulsory task of the proletarian state whatever its form, but this can be done in various forms depending on historical conditions.

p The suppression of the bourgeoisie, however, is not an aim in itself for the proletariat. Its main aim is to build socialism, to create a .new, socialist economy. What makes this task so difficult is that the socialist revolution begins when there are no ready-made economic forms of socialism. It is the task of the dictatorship of the proletariat, of the proletarian state, to organise the economic life of society, to build up a new type of economy superior to capitalism, the economy of socialism. “The dictatorship of the proletariat,” Lenin wrote, “is not only the use of force against the exploiters, and not even mainly the use of force.... The proletariat represents and creates a higher type of social organisation of labour compared with capitalism. This is what is important, this is the source of the strength and the guarantee that the final triumph of communism is inevitable.”  [291•** 

p The activities of the state in building up socialist economy and guiding all economic affairs in the country is the main economic and organisational function of the state of the dictatorship of the proletariat. The task of the proletarian state in fulfilling this function is to secure socialism’s economic victory over capitalism and attain a higher level of the social organisation of labour than under capitalism. 292 Once it has nationalised the basic means of production the proletarian state immediately takes over command positions in the economy and organises its planned, science-based management. Under the guidance of the Marxist party the state carries out the socialist industrialisation of the country and collectivisation of agriculture and, on the basis of the continuous development and improvement of production, raises the material wellbeing of the people. As socialism progresses the economic and organisational function of the state gains in scope and with the victory of socialism embraces literally all branches of the national economy.

p Yet socialist construction is not confined to the establishment of a socialist economy. It is inconceivable without a steadfast growth of the awareness and culture of the people, and the obliteration of the survivals of the past in their consciousness. It is only natural, therefore, that the education of the working people, particularly the semi-proletarian strata and the peasantry, in the spirit of socialism, the promotion of their general education and professional and cultural level is one of the key tasks of the proletarian state. It is all the more important to solve this problem because the exploiters for centuries enslaved the working people and in every way suppressed their striving for culture and knowledge. The proletarian state guides the cultural revolution which is an important element of the socialist revolution. The role played by the state in promoting cultural development and the education of the working people finds its expression in its cultural and educational function.

In the sphere of foreign policy the activity of the proletarian state is characterised by the function of the struggle for peace between the peoples, and the function of the country’s defence against imperialist aggression. As it persistently works for peace the state of the dictatorship of the proletariat constantly strengthens the country’s defence and its armed forces.