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Authoritarianism

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A governmental system characterized by strong centralized power and limited political freedoms.

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Unitary System

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A system of government where power is concentrated in a central government, and regional or local governments derive authority from the central government.

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Rule by law

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Where the law is applied arbitrarily, and government officials are not subject to the same rules and penalties as citizens. The government may also use the political system as a weapon against citizens.

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Party State

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A political system in which a single political party holds complete control over the government and the political process. Other parties may be prohibited or allowed in a subordinate role with limited influence.

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Democratic centralism

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A form of democracy in which the interests of the masses are discovered through discussion within the Communist Party, and then decisions are made under central leadership to serve those interests.

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Politburo Standing Committee

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A seven-member committee that is the leading policy-making body of the Communist Party in China (the actual center of power in the Chinese State).

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Chinese Communist Party

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The ruling party in China, originally organized and led by Mao Zedong.

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National Party Congress

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A body of over 2,000 delegates of the CCP, chosen primarily from congresses on lower levels.

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National People's Congress

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China's Legislative Body. It meets every 5 years to rubber-stamp decisions made by party leaders.

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Head of State

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The executive role that symbolizes and represents the people both nationally and internationally.