Democratic Centralism

Question 1

What is democratic centralism?

Answer 1

Organisational principle where decisions are debated by a the top members of the party

Question 2

Why did Lenin use democratic centralism?

Answer 2

• Party Structure
- Debate allowed, but decisions are
binding

• Centralised Control
- Strict discipline and unified front.

• Suppression:
- Dissent limited, leadership
authority prioritised

• Justification
- Needed for proletariat to overthrow
the bourgeoisie.

• Soviet State: Communist Party
controlled government decisions.