Civics Today: Citizenship, Economics, & You

Chapter 27: Comparing Systems of Government

Web Activity Lesson Plans

Introduction
In this chapter students learned that no two governments are exactly alike. China's government began centuries ago as an authoritarian monarchy ruled by a series of dynasties. In the twentieth century, there were attempts to move toward democracy, but instead, Mao Zedong established a Communist government in 1949. Since Mao's death, Chinese leaders have loosened restrictions in some areas, while maintaining strict control in others.

Lesson Description
Students will visit the U.S. State Department's page of background information on China. They will answer questions and then create a briefing for a new embassy employee posted to Beijing.

1. The learner will be able to identify the major components of power in the Chinese Communist Party.
2. The learner will be able to define the rule of law and compare China's application of it to that of the United States.
3. The learner will be able to summarize important information about China's government in a briefing for a new embassy employee.

1. The five primary organs of power are the Politburo Standing Committee (seven members); the Politburo (22 members); the Secretariat (principal administrative body); the Central Military Commission; and the Discipline Inspection Commission.
2. The Chinese Communist Party has more power than the People's Congress.
3. In China they try to apply the rule of law to everyone including government officials, but are not always successful. In the United States the rule of law is applied to everyone equally.
4. They have strategic nuclear weapons, an army, navy, and air force made up of millions of men and women.
5. Students' briefings will vary.