Political Institutions of the PRC

China Unitary Unitary Unicameral Unicameral Unique mixed system Unique mixed system –Some market, some command economic characteristics –Authoritarian political system

The Communist Party 66 million members of the CCP (bigger than all but 22 countries) 66 million members of the CCP (bigger than all but 22 countries) But population is 1.3 billion ( 1,336,718,015) But population is 1.3 billion ( 1,336,718,015)

The Mass Line Principle Mao’s idea that a line of communication between party leaders and the public would allow all to struggle toward realization of the goals of a communist state Mao’s idea that a line of communication between party leaders and the public would allow all to struggle toward realization of the goals of a communist state Organizing principle of the CCP Organizing principle of the CCP Method of CCP to mobilize + structure political participation Method of CCP to mobilize + structure political participation

Democratic Centralism Leninist principle still used in China Leninist principle still used in China Members of the CCP can discuss/debate matters of policy (democratic), Members of the CCP can discuss/debate matters of policy (democratic), –but once the decision of the party is made by majority vote, all members are expected to uphold that decision (centralism)

Guanxi Patron-client relationships in China Patron-client relationships in China Connections that can lead to advancement within the CCP Connections that can lead to advancement within the CCP

Legislative Branch– National People’s Congress (NPC)  According to Constitution, formal power of governing rests with the NPC  Formally has extensive powers: amendment of the constitution, passage and amendment of legislation, approval of economic plans, control over PLA, etc.  Elected for five-year terms by delegates in provincial-level congresses  2,591 members assemble once annually for a two week session  Central Committee’s Standing Committee functions when NPC is not in session

The National People’s Congress

Executives Premier (or prime minister) is head of government Premier (or prime minister) is head of government President is head of state President is head of state Also general secretary of the CCP Also general secretary of the CCP Elected for 5-year terms by NPC Elected for 5-year terms by NPC Most legislation is drafted by specialized ministries/departments under the direction of the cabinet Most legislation is drafted by specialized ministries/departments under the direction of the cabinet

Premier Wen Jiabao

President Hu Jintao

Judiciary CCP controls law, courts, legal system CCP controls law, courts, legal system No judicial review No judicial review High rates of conviction High rates of conviction –Significant use of death penalty (over 2,000/year) Burden of proof on defendant, not the state Burden of proof on defendant, not the state

Judicial Reforms Economic reform and desire for more trade has led to some judicial reform: Economic reform and desire for more trade has led to some judicial reform: –Some autonomy for courts –New local courts –Requirements/qualifications for judges –Law schools  more lawyers

Structure of the Communist Party National Party Congress (2,000 delegates) National Party Congress (2,000 delegates) Central Committee ( people) Central Committee ( people)  Chinese political elites Politburo – about 24 people who run the party’s day-to-day business Politburo – about 24 people who run the party’s day-to-day business –Most powerful political institution

People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Constitution formally establishes chain of command through the National People’s Congress, Constitution formally establishes chain of command through the National People’s Congress, But, CCP has significant influence over PLA through the Central Military Commission (CMC) But, CCP has significant influence over PLA through the Central Military Commission (CMC) The PLA is the world's largest military force, with approximately 3 million members The PLA is the world's largest military force, with approximately 3 million members

The People’s Liberation Army

Nomenklatura System The pool from which the political and economic elite is chosen The pool from which the political and economic elite is chosen  The most important mechanism by which the Communist Party exerts control over officials

Policy Performance Economic Growth Economic Growth –Success story– opening up to foreign trade and investment  Trade balances in China’s favor –Decentralization –Reform of SOEs  “Socialism with Chinese characteristics” Environmental Degradation Environmental Degradation –Economic growth = serious environmental damage –“First development, then environment”

One-child Policy Large families encouraged during Maoist years Large families encouraged during Maoist years One-child family policy: One-child family policy: –Media shows ideal family has one child –Married couples in urban areas restricted to one child –In rural areas, two children permitted –Enforcement:  Incentives (better land/housing)  Fines  Forced sterilization + abortions Perverse outcomes Perverse outcomes –Shortage of girls, more males than females –Sex-selective abortions