1. Since socialst nations have existed in the past and failed, what do you attribute their failure to? Is it reasonable to believe that these "obstacles" can be overcome in the short term?
Failed due to economical imbalance, improper investments in a war machine, personal greed, tyrany, inability to cope with today's globalized market.
2. Were any of these nations imperialistic in nature, meaning did they expand beyond their national borders and conquer territory not in their possession prior to the Bolshevic revolution of the early part of the 20th century?
USSR did but not after the period you have mentioned... China did... That's pretty much it.
3. Were there "exceptions" to the socialist philosophies of these countries, meaning did any of the ruling class own nice automobiles or houses that were well beyond "....his needs"?
Not so present in China. A bit in Russia, yes... But most present in Cuba.
4. If inequitable distribution of wealth is the cause of crime and social injustice, how do you explain people who are wealthy that committ crimes?
Drugs, greed, passion crimes, and insanity. Pretty much it.
5. Is brute labor the only force that is essential to the prosperity and equality of a society?
Uh... no. Point is?
6. If wealth were to be "redistributed" from the "20%" of the world's population that control it, and then given to the other 80%, will despotic rulers and tyrants be disposed to give this wealth to their people, or keep it for themselves?
If they are nice enough... Theorically yes, logically no.
7. If they did give the money to their citizens, would the social and physical infrastructure of these other nations immediately improve? If so, how?
Asuming we keep a trade market, leveling up the poor would boost what is consumed and therefore generate income for the government to improve infrastructure. Not to say that some people would finally have a dignant life. So yes, it would.
8. What incentive does a person who has guaranteed health care, housing, food, water, and clothing have to strive for a better life?
If they have that, not only as a guarantee on a paper, why would they need it?
9. For socialism to be truly implemented, the government must assume vast powers. Once assumed, what guarantee is there that the government will not abuse these powers?
None. Ethics. That's why it dosen't work.
10. Do people try to accumulate more or less power?
More power, less responsability. Power is not the problem. I would love if we had a single tyrant that ruled the world, but did good things.
11. What if 1 or 2 people in said country decided they didn't feel socialism was right for them. Would the government be justified in using any and all means to implement the system for the greater good?
No. But they could say "If you are not happy, get out of here and go live in France!", sounds familiar anyway.
12. Is force justifiable in the redistribution of wealth?
If you mean violence then no.
13. In a socialist system, who's interests should/will take precedence in case of child rearing? Parents, or the State?
At school, state. Outside school, parents.
14. Should religious institutions be permitted in socialist societies?
Why not?
15. Of the examples the world has known so far, socialism as implemented in Cuba, China, North Korea, Soviet Union, etc; and capitalism as seen in the US, UK, Australia, etc: Which has offered the greater personal liberties to it's citizens?
US, UK, Australia. See above why.
16. Given that the socialist death toll is at 100 million and counting, vastly outpacing "facist" numbers, does socialism get a free pass because it's more "altruistic"...at least on the surface? Can any ideology that results in the death of even one life be considered to be altruisitic?
I don't remember reading on Karl Marx works that genocide was necessary. Don't mix up the system, to whom has tried to apply it.
17. What is the difference between Facism and Communism? Do they not both lead to state control of the economy, thus making ideologies irrelevant?
Who do you think controls the economy in the US? Or UK? Or Australia? Facism is a ruling policy, comunism is an economical and social system.
18. What is the difference between Marxist-Leninism vs Communism and can the more "pure" forms be implemented without innevitably deteriorating to totalitarianism?
Wow. School's final test deja vu. I feel I am not entitled to answer that correctly, so I won't. I am not sure how can it be implemented with deteriorating it to a facist regime.