Based on what you've learned in this lesson, do you think a country is better off under communism or under a ruthless or corrupt leader who holds democratic elections? Support your answer with examples. PLEASE HELP (APUSH 2)

I'm not exactly sure what you guys learned in your lesson. I feel like it would really depend. In Communism, a revolution is usually encouraged and in this transition period things could get a bit out of control. Think how after Stalin came to power the Great Purge happened. Anyone who was a political opponent of Stalin was killed. Also think of when collective farms were imposed. Kulaks who resisted working on collective farms were killed. Even Lenin considered or at least warned that he would have the kulaks killed if they resisted the change as shown in his 1918 Hanging Order. In a communist society, ideally everyone would be of the same class. Everything would be provided by the government. Their normally wouldn't be much of a variety of things to choose from when going to the store. There would just be the necessities. You'd also have to wait in line for a long time to get those commodities. Those might be a few other things to think about. Of course their are many other things to consider.

I'm not sure what is meant by,"a ruthless or corrupt leader who holds democratic elections. . .". I'm not sure if that means a sort of fascist-like leader who, on certain issues, would hold elections but most of the time would do whatever he wants. I suppose it could also mean a president who is very harsh or holds very extreme views. If it means the latter than I would choose to live their as opposed to an early U.S.S.R. If what is meant is the fascist-like government then probably not. It would probably turn out much like Communist society in which their is a totalitarian government and all opponents are arrested or persecuted.

the exclusive possession or control of the supply or trade in a commodity or service.

i dont have that book