Chinese Political Institutions March 25, 2014

A Mirror Image

Legislative Branch National Party Congress 2000 delegates Chosen primarily by congresses at lower levels Meets every 5 years Rubberstamps decisions of party leaders Has gained some independence recently Main purpose is to elect members Central Committee National People Congress 2987 delegates for unicameral legislature Elected by provincial peoples assembly. Meet 1 time a year for two weeks typically in spring. In 2008 session 21.3% women and 13.8% minority. Rubberstamps legislation Main purpose is to elect president and approve the premier. Five year terms.

The NPC http://www.cbsnews.com /video/watch/?id=50142 558n http://www.cbsnews.com /2300-202_162- 10016030-6.html

The Executive Branch General Secretary of the CCP or Head of the Central Military Commission = President Member of the Standing Committee is Premier Politburo 24 members/ Standing Committee 7 members very top officials of the CCP who meet in secret Central Committee 340 members who meet annually for one week. Choose the political elites President and Premier Both serve 5 year terms and are limited to 2 terms For both most be 45 years old. Largely ceremonial positions Premier is head of government Premier is appointed by the president Directs the State Council which is composed of ministers who direct the bureaucracy

New President and Old President Xi Jinping (2013) & Hu Jintao

New Premier (2013) & Old Premier Li Keqiang (2013) & Wen Jiabao

Executive Branch http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50143059n

The Judicial Branch 4 tiered “People’s Court” National Province County Village/Township

People’s Procuratorate Provides public defenders and prosecutors to the courts There is a Rule of Law which was absent until 1978 Conviction Rate is 99% of all cases that come to trial. Prison terms are long and it is difficult to get an appeal. China has been for its death penalty use. Deemed excessive. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/youngchina/vi ew/ Chapter 3