Structure of China's Political System Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is China’s economic model?
China has declared itself a Socialist Market Economy, Market Leninism, often promoted as “Socialism with Chinese Characteristics”. Almost 95% of goods are allocated at market value but the government still has a 5-year planned economy and intervenes strongly in the economy.
It also has SOEs.
How does the CCP exercise control?
- Totalitarian Ideology [explains past, present, future]
- Single Party
- Centrally Planned Economy [5-year plans]
- Terroristic Police
- Communications Monopoly
What is Fragmented Authoritarianism?
It is a model of bureaucracy close to totalitarianism and specific to China, in which power is diffused among bureaus, not centralized, which creates conflicts among bureaus.
Information does not flow well and does not travel horizontally.
What is Market Leninism?
It is a capitalist system that is overseen by a nominally communist party.
It is plagued with corruption, rent-seeking officials, a high-cost of doing business, and too few good regulations.
What are Rent-seeking bureaucrats?
Bureaucrats who create rules and regulations to decrease the number of producers and thereby increase prices. Then if they have a factory they work with, they can make it hard for competition and get ‘kickbacks’
What are ‘Briefcase Companies’?
A shell company that does not have a fixed office and most of its tangible assets fit into a briefcase and used for corruption.
Briefcase companies are often registered as collectives or subsidiaries to state-owned firms to provide corrupt officials added protection. Each briefcase company acts as a middleman passing the diverted goods for a small and inconspicuous markup.
To ensure that rents from diversion are captured, these companies are often controlled by the official’s relatives and friends.
What are the components or branches of China’s political system?
The Chinese Communist Party is at the core and throughout the system. The level of permeation of the CCP is very impressive, and CCP dominates all decisions.
- Executive
- Legislative
- Judiciary
- Military
What is China’s CCP Hierarchy?
The National People’s Congress [2,000±]> Central Committee [200±]> Politburo [25±]> Standing Committee of the Politburo [7].
The Military Affairs Commission [MAC] controlled by the SCP.
What are the ‘Six Systems’ of the Politburo’s SC?
The main areas controlled by the PSC are often referred to as the ‘Six Systems’:
- Party Affairs = party life and coordination.
- Organizational Affairs = allocates positions within CCP, SOEs, government, etc.
- Propaganda and Education Affairs = People’s Daily, universities, media, etc.
- Political and Legal Affairs: courts, police, security.
- Finance and Economics Affairs: clear enough.
- Military Affairs: controls army.
How often does the National Party Congress meet?
The National Party Congress meets every 5 years and gives a direction to the country. It also selects the Central Committee that will appoint the Politburo.
Which branch of the Party Secretariat controls the CCP?
- Organizational Department: responsible for assigning all key party posts, and it is key to the promotion of members and also the succession.
What is the role of the State Council of China?
The State Council is the government’s Cabinet and its most important organization. The State Council Standing Committee meets about twice a week and is headed by the Prime Minister. It has a lot of overlap with the PSC.
