CHINACh. 22 Sec 5

Political Background

China has been a country for over 5,000 years.

Communist have been in charge for only over 50 years. Nationalist lead by Chang

Kai-shek (US). Communist lead by Mao

Zedong. Communist forces won,

Nationalist fled to Taiwan. PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF

CHINA was formed 1949.

Under Mao

Mao wanted to change China in the areas of agriculture and industry. Initiated a series of 5 year

plans. Drastic changes in policy and

usually didn’t work well.

In 1966, Cultural Revolution began. Wanted to update China from

old ways. Red Guard attacked teachers,

intellectuals, artist, anyone who didn’t have the revolutionary fever. Sent to re-education camps.

Reform and Repression

After Mao death economic controls loosened.

No political dissent was allowed. May 1989, workers

occupied Tiananmen Square. Wanted changes in

government. Tanks and troops rolled in

and thousands were killed or injured.

Hurt world opinion of china.

China Today

China’s constitution is not like USA. Its reflect current

government policies. They have had 4 constitutions

since 1949.

Communist Party (CCP) in largest political party in the world. (58 million members) CCP is organized much like

the Soviet Union. National Party Congress,

Central Committee, Politburo, and Secretariat.

National Government

Composed of two main bodies. National People’s Congress.

Elected for 5 year. Has little power. It passes along laws that were made for it by

the CCP. The State Council

Main body in the Executive branch. Headed by a Premier, chosen by the Central

Committee. Along with other members form the standing

committee that makes the major decision.

Judicial System

China has a nationwide system of “People’s Courts”. Deal with both Civil and

criminal cases. Courts are supervised by

the Supreme People’s Court”

Capital punishment happens in China for many of the same reason like in the USA. Absent are the guarantees

of a fair trial.

Unitary Government

China’s central government has complete control over all of it 22 provinces.

Has 5 autonomous(independent )regions. Hong Kong has its

own governor and provisional legislature.

Taiwan

After the defeat of Chiang Kai-shek. Nationalist fled to

Formosa(Taiwan).

Republic of China (Communist) considers Taiwan one of the independent provinces.

Taiwan takes the same position.

Not a friendly relationship.