Comparative politics Test 3: China

Dynasty

A family or clan that ruled in China from the Shang through the end of the Qing, where rulership was handed to the eldest son.

Mandate of Heaven

Legitimacy for the emperor's rule based on the cosmological belief that there could only be one ruler who had the blessing of the gods.

Qin Dynasty

The dynasty (221-206 BCE) where Ying Zheng overthrew surrounding kingdoms and proclaimed himself the first emperor of China.

Daoism

A religion and philosophy originating in China, emphasizing harmony and the natural order of things through the 'Dao'.

Zheng He

Admiral during the Ming Dynasty known for making seven voyages to Southeast Asia, India, the Persian Gulf, and Africa.

Forbidden City

A palace built during the Ming Dynasty in Beijing, serving home to 14 Ming and 10 Qing dynasty emperors.

Century of Humiliation

Period (1842-1949) where foreign powers sought to influence China through imperialism and colonialism.

Unequal treaties

Treaties that granted reparations, control over territory, and access to ports for foreign powers at China's expense.

Opium

An addictive drug grown from poppy plants, used extensively in China for pain relief and recreational purposes.

People's Republic of China

Officially established on October 1, 1949, when Mao Zedong announced that 'China had stood up...'

Cultural Revolution

A social-political movement initiated by Mao Zedong in 1966 to enforce communism by removing capitalist, traditional, and cultural elements.

Deng Xiaoping

A high-ranking CCP member who became China's paramount leader starting in 1978, known for promoting market reforms.

Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

Number of children a woman will bear in her lifetime; China's TFR has fallen below replacement level.

One-child Per Family policy

Program instituted in 1980 to reduce population growth, resulting in a negative impact on gender ratio.

Hukou

A residence permit required for anyone to live in an urban area, which restricts access to services for rural migrants.

White Paper Protest

Demonstrations against China's 'Zero-COVID' policy where protesters displayed blank papers to symbolize their dissent.

Great Firewall

The Chinese government's system for censorship and control of internet content to prevent criticism of the state.

Iron Rice Bowl

Policy until the mid-1980s that provided lifetime employment, healthcare, and other security for urban workers.

Socialism with Chinese Characteristics

Economic approach by Deng Xiaoping that combines state-run and market enterprises to attract foreign investment.

Extraterritoriality

The exemption of foreigners from Chinese laws, instead allowing them to be tried by their own country's laws.

Mao Zedong

Leader of the CCP who established the People's Republic of China in 1949, known for his radical policies and leadership.

Xi Jinping

Current Secretary-General of the CCP, emphasizing centralized authority and China's global influence.

Civil War, 1945-49

Conflict between the Nationalist government and the CCP after WWII, leading to the latter's victory and establishment of the PRC.

Nanjing Massacre

Mass murder and war rape by the Japanese army against the people of Nanjing, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths.

National People's Congress (NPC)

The legislative body of China that theoretically holds authority to create and amend laws, but is largely symbolic.

Nationalism

Promotes unity and strength through the control of cultural and political narratives by the Chinese government.

GONGOs

Government-operated non-governmental organizations approved by the state to help with social issues like poverty.

Gender Asset Gap

Disparity in wealth, property ownership, and economic status between genders in China.

LGBTQ Rights in China

Legal status of homosexuality exists, but lack of protections or public advocacy leads to restrictions on LGBTQ communities.