Question

which best describes the difference between socialism and communism?
the government controls peoples lives under communism, while it provides certain services for citizens under socialism.
the government controls a countrys means of production under communism, while it controls a nations economy under socialism.
the government is considered totalitarian under socialism, while it is best known for its state ownership practices under communism.
the government includes a single political party under socialism, while multiple political parties are in charge under communism.

Explanation:

In communism, the government has extensive control over all aspects including the means of production. In socialism, the government has significant control over the economy (which can involve aspects of production but also other economic levers like distribution of resources to some extent).

• Option 1: In socialism, the government does more than just provide certain services. It has economic - related controls. So this is incorrect.
• Option 3: Socialism is not totalitarian in the sense described here. And communism is about more than just state - ownership (it's about a classless, stateless society in theory, but in practice - heavy control including over production). So this is incorrect.
• Option 4: In communism (in practice), there is often a single - party system (though in theory it's a classless, stateless society). Socialism can have multi - party systems. So this is incorrect.

Answer:

The government controls a country’s means of production under communism, while it controls a nation’s economy under socialism.