1.2: New Power Structure

Question 1

PCR: Democratic Aspects

Answer 1

People’s National Congress elected by people
Common Program: new const
CPPCC (Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference): 600 members from a range of minorities
Mao Zedong Thought: gender equality, constant rev. = change of leaders
Mass participation of the people in political system eg Youth League…

Question 2

PCR: Authoritarian Aspects

Answer 2

decisions by Politburo
Mao=executive, legislative and judicial power (&head of state): members had multiple positions
Party ruler = puppet master
CCP controlled elections, People’s National Congress forced to approve laws groups for indoctrination: Youth League, Women’s Federation, Rectification Campaign
Control of army
Purges increased (Mao=insecure)
no importance on individual or minorities
Cadres: party members controlling local levels of army, legal system, schools

Question 3

Control of Army

Answer 3

40% state budget
then reduced size (prevent revolution)
PLA controlled people
World’s largest army 1950: 5 million men, 800,000 conscripts/year

Question 4

Common Program 1954

Answer 4

freedom of “thought, speech, publication,…” except ‘political reactionaries’
multiparty system: 8 parties legal, but CCP had leading role and chose which ones to legalise
Mao named Head of State
Soviet-style central planning