Final answer:
Historically, democracy has demonstrated greater economic prosperity, personal freedom, and political stability. Communism has struggled with economic stagnation and a tendency towards authoritarianism. The fall of Soviet Communism and the shift towards democratic processes underscore these challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
In considering which form of government, democracy or communism, was ultimately more successful, historical evidence suggests democracy has shown a greater capacity for sustained economic growth, personal freedoms, and political stability. Democracies have generally allowed individuals the freedom of choice and action, promoting individualism and tending to be intrinsically tied with capitalism. This system relies on open markets and private enterprise, which has led to widespread economic prosperity in the western world.
On the other hand, while communism, particularly in the forms adopted by the Soviet Union and China, aimed to create a classless society where resources were shared equitably, it often resulted in economic stagnation and authoritarian rule. The centralization of government power, which was supposed to be a temporary measure, became a persistent feature of such regimes, often leading to lower standards of living compared to democratic countries. The fall of the Soviet Union and the shift of many former communist states towards market economies and democratic processes in the late 20th century further underscores the challenges faced by communist systems in practice.
Ultimately, while the debate over the effectiveness of these systems of government continues, historical outcomes, particularly the fall of communism in Eastern Europe and the relative stability and prosperity of democratic nations, suggest that democracy has been more successful in achieving its ideals and maintaining long-term viability.