What type of government did the Soviet Union have?

The Soviet Union was characterized by a communist totalitarian regime, which is the correct answer. This type of government centralized power in the hands of the Communist Party, allowing it complete control over the state and society. The Soviet state sought to eliminate all opposition and establish a one-party rule, which is a hallmark of totalitarian regimes.

Under this system, the government owned and controlled all means of production, and individual freedoms were heavily restricted. The central authority dictated policies spanning all areas of life, including the economy, education, and culture. The pervasive presence of state security forces further suppressed dissent and reinforced the regime's grip on power.

The other choices reflect different forms of government that did not accurately describe the structure and functioning of the Soviet Union. For instance, a democratic government implies multiple parties and free elections, which were not present in the Soviet system. A constitutional monarchy combines a monarch with a constitutionally governed political structure, which never existed in the Soviet framework. Lastly, a federal republic would propose a division of powers among various states or regions, but the Soviet Union operated more as a unitary state under strict central control. Thus, the characteristic of a communist totalitarian regime accurately encapsulates the government's operation and ideology in the Soviet Union.