Civics Today: Citizenship, Economics, & You

"China"

Introduction
In this chapter you 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.

Destination Title: The U.S. Department of State

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Directions
Start at the State Department’s home page.

• Under “Travel & Business” click on Country Background Notes.
• Scroll down and click on China.
• Click on and read the sections on Government and Defense.

1			What are the five primary organs (bodies) of power in the Chinese Communist Party?
2			Which has more power, the People’s Congress or the Communist Party?
3			Compare the Chinese application of the rule of law to that of the United States.
4			Describe the Chinese military force.
5			Use the information on the State Department’s China page to create a briefing for a new member of the U.S. Embassy in China. For additional information visit the State Department’s travel advisory page on China.