THEME 1 - Government

Question 1

When was the Chinese Civil war?

Answer 1

1946 - 49

The communists won

Question 2

When was the republic of china created?

Answer 2

1949

Question 3

When did the CPCC first hold a meeting?

Answer 3

Sept 1949

First meeting held in Beijing

Question 4

What was the CPPCC?

Answer 4

Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference
- group of appointed ministers to form a new government calle the Central People’s government.

Question 5

Why was it important for the Communists to act quickly to establish a new political system?

Answer 5

To maintain the gains that had gotten from their victory in the civil war. People needed to accept the authority of the new communist party.

Question 6

What evidence is there to suggest that the CCP was willing to work with other groups?

Answer 6

Gained the new government more popularity as anti-nationalist supporters banded together to create a new government.

Question 7

. How did the government control the press?

Answer 7

Government took control of the press through the Xinhua organisation, the centralised government press agency. They ensured that all newspapers reported favourably of the new regime.

Question 8

What was the Central People’s Government?

Answer 8

Composed of appointed ministers and department heads, the CPG acted as the government in China.

Question 9

What was the compostiiton of the Central People’s government?

Answer 9

China was divided into 6 regions so decisions could be implemented at a more national level. Each region was represented by a trustworthy government official as well as a member of the communist party. This made them seem closer to Beijing and politics whilst still being involved in communism.

Question 10

What was the Common Program?

Answer 10

A temporary constitution that set out rights and educational opportunities such as gender equality. Gave powers to the CCP and PLA.
It was seen as a temporary constitution to steer China in the right direction in the future.
Approved by the CGP in 1949

Question 11

What was ‘New Democracy’ and ‘democratic centralism’?

Answer 11

Mao decided that China needed a transitional period before full socialism where the working-class would co-operate with the capitalist elements left from the civil war to help rebuild the economy and infrastructure. He labelled this tactic “New Democracy”

Question 12

. What changes were made by the 1954 Constitution?

Answer 12

A new constitution was published when China was officially labelled as a communist country. Based on the Soviet consitution in 1936, it created new legislation and put the newly made State Council as the new government. Communists remained largely involved in elections and the party’s politburo remained on top - with the government merely rubber stamping their policies.

Question 13

What evidence is there that the Communist system became more bureaucratic after 1949?

Answer 13

The new government and New Democracy had some bureaucrats too comfortable for Mao’s liking - who wanted to advance further in revolution.

Question 14

Who could be a member of the Communist Party in China and how did the Party grow?

Answer 14

-Party membership restricted to those who could prove they were ideologically aligned with communism
- Cadres = trained party members that were loyal to the regime. They monitored civil service, legal systems, schools and the army more locally.

Question 15

How did the Party mobilise the people during this time?

Answer 15

Mass participation was encouraged. Youth League and Women’s Federation were created to allow regular people to play roles in the reform of the country.
Many peasants were involved in the land reform acts in the 1950s.

Question 16

What was a Danwei?

Answer 16

A work unit that was led by a party cadre. They issued permits to travel, marry and change jobs. Every employed citizen where part of one.

Question 17

What were the key principles of Maoism?

Answer 17

Nationalism = Mao wanted to free China from foreign exploitation.
Continued Revolution = Mao wanted to avoid stagnation in revolutionary drive.
Mass Mobilisation = Mao thought that mass campaigns were vital in protecting the ecnomy.
Listen to the people = He wanted to keep the people involved as much as possible, believing this is where USSR went wrong.

Question 18

Why was the PLA so significant by 1950?

Answer 18

Following the defeat of the Japanese and GMD, the PLA was now the world’s largest army - made of 5 million men. It had taken over 40% of the state budget.

Question 19

How did the size of the PLA change and why did Mao do this?

Answer 19

Mao was cautious due to the amount of spending on the military as well as taking up so many men away from fixing the economy. It was reduced to 3.5 million by 1953, and 2.5 million by 1957.

Question 20

. What impact did the reduction of size have on the PLA?

Answer 20

The PLA became more professional due to its smaller numbers. It now had clearly defined ranks which had varying amounts of expertise and pay.
- Code of Conduct in 1956 to help with peasants and farming.

Question 21

Why was the PLA still significant after 1949?

Answer 21

They acted as the main way of indoctrinating new conscripts into the army and the workforce. They helped in large-scale projects to rebuild infrastructure.

Question 22

What evidence is there that the system installed in the PRC was democratic?

Answer 22

• Re-affirmed in the 1954 constitution as a key principle
• Similar to Russia
• ## Lower levels would elect delegates into higher positions.

Question 23

What evidence is there to suggest that the system was not democratic?

Answer 23

It was still controlled mostly by the CCP, who took up the top senior level in the party. The government became a method for rubber stamping policies by the government.

Question 24

What was the Rectification Campaign of 1941?

Answer 24

A purge of Mao’s enemies inside the party. It helped to establish him as a leader.
- Displays his ability as leader to impose threat on others and enemies (real or fake)