China Political System Review

Flashcards to review key aspects of China's political system based on lecture notes.

What type of regime does China have?

Authoritarian (Communist Party-led)

What is China's state structure?

Unitary

What is political legitimacy in China based on?

Performance legitimacy, nationalism, and historical continuity from Communist revolution

How would you describe political stability in China?

High, enforced by surveillance, censorship, and repression

Describe the executive structure in China.

President (Xi Jinping) is head of state and party; Premier is head of government (Li Qiang)

Describe the legislative structure in China.

Unicameral National People's Congress; largely ceremonial, controlled by Communist Party

How independent is the judiciary in China?

Subordinate to party control; courts reinforce party policy

Who controls the military in China?

People's Liberation Army is under the control of the Communist Party (not the state)

How strong is civil society in China?

Highly restricted; NGOs and associations must be registered and monitored

What are some political cleavages in China?

Ethnic (e.g., Uighurs, Tibetans), rural-urban divide, generational

What influences political socialization in China?

Heavily influenced by state-controlled education and media

How would you characterize political participation in China?

Low in terms of competition; participation through state-organized channels like the Communist Party or mass organizations

Describe the electoral system in China.

Indirect elections at national level; some local elections are competitive

How is the executive elected in China?

President elected by NPC; party leadership dictates outcome

What are the dominant parties in China?

Chinese Communist Party (CCP); eight minor parties exist under CCP leadership

What is the role of interest groups/social movements in China?

Corporatist; movements outside state approval suppressed

What are the globalization impacts on China?

Major exporter and recipient of FDI; rising tensions with Western countries

Describe economic liberalization in China.

Market reforms since 1978; strong state role remains in strategic sectors

What are China's resource wealth and challenges?

High dependence on imports; environmental degradation from industrialization

What are some of China's major recent reforms?

Xi Jinping's centralization of power, Belt and Road Initiative, anti-corruption campaign

What are some development trends in China?

Rapid urbanization; growing middle class but rising inequality

According to Freedom House, what type of regime is China?

Authoritarian (One-party state)