Structure and Philosophy of Single-Party States

Structure All totalitarian governments operate in the following way… When a single party takes power, they usually maintain the structure of the existing government – evicting the previous office holders and replacing them with party members. In appearance, the single-party state government doesn’t differ significantly from a democracy – this gives the impression that the government is more benign and less repressive than it really is. The way to power, influence, wealth and social status is found by rising through the ranks of the party hierarchy

Economic Policies Single-party states control all economic aspects of their country All economic development is designed with the intent of fulfilling the broader objectives of the party (though they may initially be positive for all citizens – like higher living standards, modernization, lower unemployment, improved defense) Very specific economic plans are laid out in order to achieve these goals Five Year Plan (Soviet Union) Great Leap Forward (China)

Social Policies - want a return to the “golden age” of the past All single-party states have a clear idea about what direction their nation should take… Conservative Regimes - want a return to the “golden age” of the past - traditional values in terms of gender roles, moral values, class structure, education - pushes respect for tradition and authority and extreme nationalism, racism and suspicion of liberal ideas are common Leftist Regimes - usually looks ahead to the future - support progressive social ideas (gender equality, elimination of social classes, liberal treatment of minorities and the poor)

Education Policies and Propaganda All single-party states use public education as a way to instill patriotic values, discipline, organization and docile citizens Curriculum is rewritten, all books and education materials are state-controlled and all unreliable teachers are removed Devotion to the regime above devotion to family, friends or religion is indoctrinated into all youth The same is true for the single-party states’ use of propaganda for adults – all forms of media, art and culture are state controlled

Status of Women All single-party states have policies that relate to the status of women In conservative regimes, policies were put in place that return women to more traditional roles (limited access to education, employment and influential positions) In liberal regimes, policies were put in place that declared the equality of women (gained citizenship, property and voting rights) - China and Cuba both passed similar gender legislation

Religious Policies Single-party states sought to either eliminate or subjugate previously existing religious institutions. Religion represent rival ideologies, value systems and concept of ethics and morality (in addition to representing rival power groups) Religious groups could pose a threat to the single-party states due to their wealth, traditions and infrastructure – in addition to international connections - Soviet Union: outlawed churches, killed priests, destroyed religious structures (wasn’t entirely successful) - China: est. a new type of religious foundation by creating the cult of personality around the leader – Mao was seen as omnipotent, omniscient, infallible