In this first volume, Draper discusses the attitudes of Marx and Engels towards the titular topics the state and bureaucracy.

The position Draper argues for is relatively unique, in that it affords the state a strong degree of autonomy counter to the views of many Marxist theorists, for whom the state either reflects class interests one-for-one or whose autonomy only extends so far as the capitalist class's ultimately tight leash.

It addresses the changing perspectives Marx and Engels held on the relation between revolution and war, spurred by the events of their time.

However, he criticized Draper for neglecting to discuss Marx's failure to understand political power in relation to human nature.

He described Draper's attempt to clarify the meaning of Marx's arguments as being "among the very best available", and praised his use of obscure as well as well-known sources.

[8] Felix argued that Draper failed to focus consistently on a single subject, and that the book "reads like a series of indoctrination talks aimed at Marxists who have some knowledge of Marxian theory but require further elucidation."

He criticized Draper for attempting to show that events apparently inconsistent with Marxism were actually consistent with it, and argued that he articulated "a discouraged attitude typical of the Great Depression".