How to structure a 'compare and contrast' type of essay?

Let's take an example of comparing and contrasting the consolidation of power of two different Communist leaders, Stalin and Mao Tse-tung. The answer should address both key components of the question equally. There should be a balance between comparing and contrasting. That's why it is best to divide arguments rather basing on issue discussed than the leader discussed.  For example, this way in one argument we would discuss how the leaders used violence and terror in their rise to power. Rather than mentioning that both of them did so though, it is better to outline the methods that they used and compare those to each other, highlighting the similarities and pointing out the differences. The Great Terror accompanied by Great Purge launched a succession of trials against prominent figures of Politburo that could threaten Stalin's complete grasp on power and who in consequence had to be eliminated. Under Mao, the Three Anti and Five Anti Campaigns were meant to terrorize the population into absolute obedience. There, the violence was concentrated on the members of the public that could threaten Mao's rule rather than political insiders. This could lay grounds for an analysis of priorities that both leaders outlined for their rule and how that impacted the whole process of their consolidation of power and provide a smooth transition to another argument that could address economic factors.