what is meant by "the state" when refering to marx or lenin?

Answer 1

Ultimately, the dictatorial power of Lenin. But in Marxist theory, it is the government working to "give to each according to his need" by taking from those who "create according to their ability." Keep that up and no one will wish to create anymore. Read Atlas Shrugged for THAT theory.

Answer 2

Lenin write a book called "State and Revolution" that is all about what the state is and how it comes into being, and may go out of being. If your looking for an in depth answer, that is the best place to look.
In brief, however, the state is a coercive body that exists to uphold the rule of one social class over another. The state only comes into being when there are antagonisms between social classes, and thus will cease to exists once there are no more antagonisms between classes.
When Lenin wrote S&R, all states up to that point had existed to keep a minority class in power over the majority of the people. When workers and farmers make a revolution, destroy the state, and erect a new state (which is coercive in nature to subjugate the minority class that previously ruled) the state immediately begins to whither away since it is know rule by the majority instead of a minority.

Answer 3

the state is essentialy the power. although they tought that the people worked for the state and the state would take care of the people essentially the state was the powerful people or goverment.

The concept was suppose to mean shared wealth for all citizens but greed obviously took control and only those of power were ever given any wealth and eventually the STATE or goverment failed. (country or state as it is commonly refered to on a global basis)

Answer 4

BIG BROTHER!!!