AP* Comparative Government and Politics: An essential coursebook. 7th Edition by Ethel Wood / Chapter 5 /

3rd generation leader

Refers to the leadership in China that followed Deng Xiaoping, typically associated with Jiang Zemin, who led from the 1990s to the early 2000s.

4th generation leader

Refers to the leadership that succeeded Jiang Zemin, primarily associated with Hu Jintao, who led from the early 2000s to 2012.

autonomous regions

Areas in China that have a degree of self-governance and are designated for specific ethnic minorities, allowing them some administrative independence.

cadres

Party workers or officials in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) who are responsible for implementing party policies at various levels of government.

Central Committee

A key decision-making body of the Chinese Communist Party, composed of senior party officials who guide the party's policies and direction.

Central Military Commission

The body responsible for the command and control of the People's Liberation Army, overseeing military affairs in China.

Chiang Kai-shek

A Chinese political and military leader who led the Nationalist Party (Goumindang) and opposed the Chinese Communist Party during the Chinese Civil War.

collectivism

An ideology that emphasizes the collective over the individual, advocating for communal ownership and the prioritization of group goals.

Chinese Communist Party (CCP)

The ruling political party in China, founded in 1921, which governs the country under a one-party system.

Confucianism

A philosophical and ethical system based on the teachings of Confucius, emphasizing morality, social relationships, and justice.

Cultural Revolution

A sociopolitical movement initiated by Mao Zedong from 1966 to 1976 aimed at preserving communist ideology by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society.

danwei

A work unit in China that serves as a basic unit of social organization, providing employment, housing, and social services to its members.

decentralization

The transfer of authority and responsibility from central government to local or regional governments, allowing for more local decision-making.

democratic centralism

A principle of governance in the CCP that combines central leadership with democratic participation, where decisions are made centrally but are expected to reflect the will of the people.

Deng Xiaoping Theory

A political theory that emphasizes economic reform and opening up to the market while maintaining the CCP's political control.

dual role

Refers to the system in which party and government officials have overlapping responsibilities, ensuring that the Communist Party maintains control over state functions.

dynastic cycles

The historical pattern in Chinese history where dynasties rise and fall, often characterized by periods of prosperity followed by decline and rebellion.

egalitarianism

A belief in the equality of all people, advocating for equal rights and opportunities regardless of social class or status.

ethic of struggle

A principle emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving goals, often associated with Maoist ideology.

factions, factionalism

Groups within the CCP that have differing interests or ideologies, leading to internal competition and power struggles.

fang-shou

A term describing the cyclical process of loosening and tightening control by the government, particularly in economic policies.

floating population

Refers to the large number of rural migrants who move to urban areas in search of work but do not have permanent residency status.

foreign devils

A derogatory term historically used in China to refer to foreign imperialists or outsiders perceived as a threat to Chinese sovereignty.

Four Modernization

A set of goals initiated by Deng Xiaoping aimed at modernizing China's agriculture, industry, national defense, and science and technology.

free market socialism

An economic system that combines elements of socialism with free market principles, allowing for private enterprise alongside state control.

Gang of Four

A political faction in China led by Jiang Qing, Mao's wife, that was influential during the Cultural Revolution and later arrested after Mao's death.

guanxi

A Chinese term for the network of relationships and personal connections that facilitate business and political interactions.

Great Leap Forward

An economic and social campaign initiated by Mao Zedong from 1958 to 1962 aimed at rapidly transforming China into a socialist society through collectivization and industrialization.

Han Chinese

The largest ethnic group in China, making up about 92% of the population, with a rich cultural and historical heritage.

hegemony

Dominance or leadership of one group or state over others, often used in the context of political or cultural influence.

household responsibility system

An agricultural reform policy introduced in the late 1970s that allowed individual households to manage their own production while meeting state quotas.

Hu Jintao

The General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party and President of China from 2002 to 2012, known for his emphasis on a 'harmonious society.'

hukou

A household registration system in China that regulates population distribution and rural-to-urban migration, determining access to social services.

Hu Yaobang

A Chinese politician and reformist leader of the CCP whose death in 1989 sparked the Tiananmen Square protests.

iron rice bowl

A term used to describe the system of guaranteed employment and social welfare benefits provided by the state to workers in the socialist era.

Jiang Zemin

The General Secretary of the CCP and President of China from the 1990s to the early 2000s, known for promoting economic reforms and modernization.

Li Peng

A Chinese politician who served as Premier from 1988 to 1998 and was known for his role in the Tiananmen Square crackdown.

The Long March

A military retreat undertaken by the Red Army of the CCP from 1934 to 1936, which became a symbol of communist resilience and determination.

mandate of heaven

An ancient Chinese philosophical concept that legitimizes the rule of the emperor, suggesting that heaven grants the right to govern based on virtue and ability.

Mao Zedong

The founding father of the People's Republic of China and the leader of the CCP from its establishment until his death in 1976.

Maoism

A form of Marxism-Leninism developed by Mao Zedong, emphasizing the role of the peasantry in revolution and the importance of continuous revolution.

mass line

A political strategy used by the CCP to connect the party with the masses, emphasizing the importance of listening to the people's needs and feedback.

mass mobilization

A strategy employed by the CCP to engage large numbers of people in political campaigns or initiatives, often seen during the Cultural Revolution.

Middle Kingdom (zhongguo)

A term used by the Chinese to refer to their country, reflecting a historical view of China as the center of civilization.

Nationalist Party (Goumindang)

The political party that governed China before the establishment of the People's Republic of China, led by Chiang Kai-shek.

National Party Congress

The highest body of the CCP, which meets every five years to elect the Central Committee and discuss major policies.

a new socialist countryside

A policy initiative aimed at improving rural living standards and promoting agricultural development in China.

nomenklatura

A system of appointing individuals to positions of power within the Communist Party and government based on loyalty and party affiliation.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

Independent organizations that operate outside of government control, often focused on social, environmental, or humanitarian issues.

one country, two systems

A principle proposed by Deng Xiaoping that allows for the coexistence of different economic and political systems within China, notably applied to Hong Kong and Macau.

parallel hierarchies

The structure in which the CCP and the state operate simultaneously, with party officials holding power over government positions.

patron-client system in China

A network of relationships where individuals provide support and resources to their patrons in exchange for political or economic favors.

People's Courts, procuratorate

The judicial system in China, with People's Courts handling legal cases and the procuratorate overseeing legal enforcement and prosecution.

People's Liberation Army

The combined military forces of the People's Republic of China, including the ground forces, navy, and air force.

People's National Congress

The highest organ of state power in China, responsible for enacting laws and overseeing the government.

plenums

Meetings of the Central Committee of the CCP, where major decisions and policies are discussed and decided.

Politburo/Standing Committee

The top decision-making bodies of the CCP, with the Politburo consisting of senior leaders and the Standing Committee being its most powerful subset.

political elites

Individuals who hold significant power and influence within the political system, often through their positions in the CCP or government.

private business

Refers to enterprises that operate independently of state control, often emerging as a result of economic reforms.

rule of law and China

The principle that law should govern a nation, as opposed to arbitrary decisions by individual government officials, though in China, the law is often subordinate to the CCP.

self-reliance

A policy or ideology promoting independence and self-sufficiency, particularly in economic and political contexts.

socialist market economy

An economic system that incorporates market mechanisms within a socialist framework, allowing for private enterprise while maintaining state control over key sectors.

Special Economic Zones (SEZs)

Designated areas in China where market-oriented economic policies are implemented to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth.

state corporatism

A political system where the state exerts significant control over various sectors of society, including the economy, often through state-owned enterprises.

Sun Yat-sen

A Chinese revolutionary and political leader who is considered the founding father of the Republic of China and a key figure in the overthrow of the Qing dynasty.

technocrats

Experts or professionals who are appointed to positions of power based on their technical knowledge and expertise, often in economic or administrative roles.

township and village enterprises (TVEs)

Local businesses in rural areas of China that emerged during economic reforms, contributing to rural development and economic growth.

Two Chinas

Refers to the political division between the People's Republic of China (mainland) and the Republic of China (Taiwan), each claiming to be the legitimate government of China.

Umbrella Revolution

A pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong that emerged in 2014, characterized by mass protests advocating for greater political freedoms and electoral reforms.

unstinting service

A commitment to selfless and dedicated service to society or the state, often emphasized in communist ideology.

Wen Jiabao

A Chinese politician who served as Premier from 2003 to 2013, known for his focus on economic reform and social issues.

Youth League

The Communist Youth League of China, an organization for young people that serves as a training ground for future CCP leaders.

Zhao Ziyang

A Chinese politician and reformist who served as General Secretary of the CCP and was ousted for his sympathetic stance towards the Tiananmen Square protests.