Vocab Quiz Flashcards
(41 cards)
What is a Cadre?
A dedicated member of a political organization, especially the Communist Party.
Cadres are often involved in grassroots organization and mobilization within the party.
Define Central Committee.
A top decision-making body in a Communist Party.
The Central Committee typically consists of a small group of senior party officials.
What characterizes a Command economy?
An economic system where the government controls production and distribution.
This system contrasts with market economies where supply and demand dictate production.
What was the Cultural Revolution?
A movement in China (1966-1976) led by Mao Zedong to reinforce communism by removing capitalist elements.
This period was marked by widespread social and political upheaval.
What does Danwei refer to?
A work unit in China that controlled jobs, housing, and social benefits.
Danwei played a crucial role in the social structure of urban China.
What was the Democracy Wall?
A wall in Beijing where people posted political criticisms in the late 1970s.
It became a symbol of political dissent during a time of increasing openness.
What is Falun Gong?
A spiritual movement banned by the Chinese government.
Falun Gong combines meditation with a moral philosophy and has faced severe repression.
Define Fang Shou.
A cycle of loosening and tightening political control in China.
This reflects the fluctuating nature of governance in response to social and economic conditions.
What does Floating Population mean?
Migrant workers in China without permanent residency status.
This group has faced challenges related to housing, employment, and social services.
Who were the Gang of Four?
A political faction led by Mao Zedong’s wife, blamed for the excesses of the Cultural Revolution.
They were arrested after Mao’s death and were seen as emblematic of the radical policies of that era.
What was the Great Leap Forward?
A failed economic and social campaign (1958-1962) by Mao Zedong to industrialize China rapidly.
It resulted in widespread famine and economic disruption.
Define Guanxi.
Personal connections or networks that influence social and business dealings in China.
Guanxi is crucial for navigating professional and personal relationships in Chinese society.
What is the Household Responsibility System?
A system allowing Chinese farmers to lease land and sell surplus produce.
This system was a significant reform that increased agricultural productivity.
What does Hukou refer to?
A household registration system in China that controls migration and access to services.
Hukou ties individuals to specific locations, affecting their access to education and healthcare.
What is the Iron Rice Bowl?
Guaranteed government jobs and benefits in China, later reduced by reforms.
The concept symbolized job security and state support, which diminished in the 1990s.
What is the National People’s Congress?
China’s legislature, largely controlled by the Communist Party.
It is the highest organ of state power in China, but its decisions are often predetermined.
Who are the Nationalists?
Refers to the Kuomintang (KMT), the Chinese political party that lost to the Communists and fled to Taiwan.
The KMT continues to exist as a political party in Taiwan.
Define Nomenklatura.
A system of appointing key Communist Party officials.
This system ensures loyalty and control within the party structure.
What is Ping Pong Diplomacy?
U.S.-China diplomatic relations initiated through table tennis matches in the 1970s.
This helped ease tensions and opened pathways for formal diplomatic relations.
What is the Politburo?
A top governing body of the Chinese Communist Party.
The Politburo makes key decisions regarding policy and governance.
Define Political Culture.
The attitudes and beliefs shaping political behavior.
Political culture influences how citizens engage with their government and each other.
Who is the President of China?
The head of state in China, often also the Communist Party leader.
The role combines significant political power with ceremonial duties.
What is a Princeling?
A child of a high-ranking Communist official.
Princelings often have advantages in political and business spheres due to their connections.
Who were the Red Guards?
Radical youth groups supporting Mao during the Cultural Revolution.
The Red Guards played a key role in enforcing Mao’s policies and were involved in widespread violence.
