"The state is nothing but an instrument of opression of one class by another - no less so in a democratic republic than in a monarchy"

This quote by Friedrich Engels is a criticism of the state and its role in society. Engels argues that the state is not a neutral entity, but rather an instrument of injustice used by one class to oppress another. He thinks that this holds true no matter the type of federal government, whether it is a monarchy or a democratic republic. He is recommending that the state is not a tool for the advantage of all residents, however rather a tool utilized by the gentility to maintain their power and opportunity. This is why Engels argues that the state must be eliminated, as it is an overbearing force that serves only to benefit the gentility. He believes that the only method to achieve real liberty and equality is to abolish the state and produce a society based on cooperation and mutual aid.