Note: reality is different from constitutional structure.
Negotiated relationships
Clusters of authority, systems (xitong)
party affairs, personnel/organization, propaganda/education, political/legal,
finance/economy
Fragmented by
vertical rule, tiao (government ministries)
horizontal control, kuai (party)
Constitution changes as policy changes, 1954, 1975, 1978, 1982 (amendments in 1988, 1993) text of amended 1982 constitution
CPPCC (Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference) provides some broad legitimacy
National People's Congress meetings
2001-2006
5 year cycle
2,196 members, meets in spring
historically a "rubber stamp" but getting more meaningful
writing laws dealing with reform process
sometimes there are large votes against nominees for government positions
sometimes there are serious investigations of problems
State Council
headed by premier
Organizes the various ministries (currently
29)
Legal System
develops laws, procedures
especially important as China configures to WTO
note Temple University's involvement
big problems in implementation of laws
police, can detain without arresting (reform through
labor camps
procurate system -- like district attorney but has
broader supervisory role
the real trial is in this office, which decides whether or not to take
a case to court
Military
close connection of military to CCP
challenges of modernizing, demobilizing old troops,
upgrading new
issue of commercial activities of military, make
money but divert attention
manufacturing, hotels, night clubs...
importance of military to stability of the political
system
challenge for new generations of party and government
leaders to control military
Methods of Party control over government: