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How did Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels explain the role of the state in society?

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Rubbing of Chinese philosopher Confucius in traditional robes with a long beard, based on a design attributed to Wu Tao-hsuan, with Chinese characters above and beside the figure. — political science Stone rubbing (19th century?) of Confucius from a design attributed to Wu Daoxuan (flourished 700–760 CE).

In the context of political science, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels viewed the state as an "apparatus of oppression" designed to maintain the economic supremacy of the ruling class. They argued that in societies based on private ownership of the means of production, the state functions primarily to protect the interests of the bourgeoisie and repress the working class.1234

According to their theory, the evolution of the state involves several stages:

Revolution: The proletariat, having developed class consciousness, must seize the institutions of state power—such as the police, courts, and prisons—to dismantle the capitalist order.5
Dictatorship of the Proletariat: Following the revolution, a transitional socialist state is established to prevent counterrevolution by the displaced bourgeoisie and to facilitate the move toward communism.35
Withering Away of the State: Once class distinctions disappear and the threat of counterrevolution is eliminated, the state loses its purpose as a coercive instrument. It is expected to "wither away," eventually being replaced by a classless society where social organization is based on the fair distribution of goods rather than the enforcement of laws.215