The Government of China

by Bin Yu

Overview

Since its founding in 1949, the People's Republic of China has been a one-party state in which the Chinese Communist Party holds a monopoly of political power. Many Western students are unfamiliar with the structures, institutions, and ideologies by which the Party exercises this power. The Government of China examines those issues in depth. It also details the historical development of China's Communist government and explores recent trends, including signs that a more responsive, open system may be developing. This volume is essential reading for students who wish to understand one of the world's most important countries.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781422221617
Publisher:	Mason Crest Publishers
Publication date:	09/28/2011
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	7.80(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	1360L (what's this?)
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

Table of Contents

Introduction 6

1 Chinese Traditional Culture and the Dynastic System 13

2 The Search for Modernization 29

3 Political Structure and Dynamics 45

4 Institutions and Structure of Government 65

5 Foreign Relations: Integrating with the World 79

6 Looking to the Future 91

Chronology 102

Glossary 104

Further Reading 106

Internet Resources 107

Index 108

Editorial Reviews

With a population of nearly one and a half billion people and a landmass the size of the United States, China is one of the most substantive nations in the world. Over the past six decades the Chinese people have established independence following a revolutionary struggle, overcome Maoists machinations, and gradually built a powerful economy. At present, China has become one the economic giants of the world and a nation seemingly on the verge of establishing itself as a true superpower. Yet, China is also a nation that is plagued by governmental corruption, social inequity, environmental discord, and an increasing gap between the wealthy and poor. It is the governance of this vast nation that author Yu Bin addresses in this title from the illustrated “China the Emerging Superpower” series. Bin begins his story by looking back at the historic roots of Chinese governance under the earlier monarchical dynasties. Bin then chronicles the rising anti-colonial feelings that many Chinese felt and which led to revolutionary struggle during the first half of the twentieth century. Then, he traces the five generations of leaders within the Chinese Communist Party who have steered their nation to the powerful position it now holds on the world stage. This is a scholarly and intricate look at the governmental structures of this powerful nation. While at times rather detailed and technical in nature, Bin’s narrative will be of value to advanced students or those doing research into Chinese political science. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck; Ages 10 up.

Children's Literature - Greg M. Romaneck

While China remains a one party state its government has radically changed over the past few decades. Nevertheless, even the major shifts in Chinese governance that have made headlines since the death of Mao pale in comparison to the 4,000 year history of this nation. China is the most populace nation in the history of the world. It has a long-standing tradition of hierarchical government. From the days of the varied dynasties through the rule of the Communist Party, China has been a land wherein western democracy has never taken root. In this volume of the Mason Crest illustrated "China" series, readers are taken on an intellectual journey through the twists and turns of China's governmental heritage. Throughout this well-written and thoughtful text Dr. Yu Bin provides readers with a sound explanation of many aspects of China's governmental institutions and processes. China now represents a nation that has moved away from the radicalism evidenced during Mao's Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution. Instead, the modern version of the Chinese Communist Party appears to be content to foster economic opportunities that would have struck older communists as an anathema. As Dr. Yu Bin notes in this fine book, China's future pathway in regards to governance is unclear but it probably will be linked to steadily greater economic growth. 2006, Mason Crest Publishers, Ages 12 up.
—Greg M. Romaneck

Children's Literature