What type of government does the term "communism" usually signify?

Communism is typically associated with a totalitarian regime in which a single party has complete control over governance and the economy. The fundamental principles of communism emphasize the collective ownership of the means of production and the absence of social classes, often resulting in the state exercising significant power over various aspects of life, including politics, economy, and social structures.

In such a system, dissent or opposition to the ruling party is often suppressed to maintain power and cohesion. This concentration of authority is a hallmark of a totalitarian state, distinguishing it from democratic governments that allow multiple parties and opposition voices. While options like a republic or systems with private capital may include varying degrees of state control or democratic features, they fundamentally differ from the characteristics inherent to a communist government, which seeks to eliminate private ownership and political plurality.