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Unit 13: Political Parties

organ which brooks no rival in its monopoly of power. Its members staff all the important positions Notes
in the government and society. Its ideology is the only officially propigated doctrine, mandatory for
non-members and members of the party alike. While the C.C.P. is not identical with the government,
it controls the government in the fullest sense of the term”. For the sake of convenience the role of the
Communist Party of China may be studied under the following heads:
1. As Defender of Revolution: The Communist Party of China not only spearheaded the revolution
in the country but also acts as the defender of the revolution. It tries to curb the anti-revolutionary
elements and has openly worked for the abolition of colonialism and feudalism. So far the
party has firmly dealt with the anti-revolutionary elements and contributed to the consolidation
of the gains of the revolution in China.
2. Guide and Philosopher: The Communist Party of China acts as the guide and philosopher of
the Chinese people and shows them the direction. The members of the Communist Party by the
self example try to inculcate a spirit of dedication and selflessness among the people and prepare
them to make all kinds of sacrifices for the good of the country.
The Party also imparts education to the people in the teachings of Marxism, Leninism and
Maoism and thus strengthen their faith in communism.
3. Control over Government: In China the Communist Party exercises firm control over
government and all important governmental positions are held by the important party leaders.
The Constitution of China clearly states that “The Communist Party of China is the core of
leadership of the whole Chinese people. The working class exercises the leadership over the
state through its vanguard, the Communist Party”. The key position of the Communist in the
government is evident from the fact that it sponsors candidates for various elected bodies; the
Prime Minister and other members of the State Council are appointed on the recommendations
of the Party and are accountable for their working to the party. In fact the party and the
government are so inter-linked in China that it is indeed difficult ta draw a line of demarcation
between the two. Generally the policies are formulated by the party and the Government merely
implements those policies. The absence of an independent judiciary, which could possibly ensure
constitutional government, further contributes to the pre-eminent position of the party. In fact
the judges themselves try to promote party programmes and policies. The Party also fully controls
the industry, trade and commerce. Even the trade unions are controlled by the party. In fact the
Communist Party so much dominates the government that it has been asserted that in China it
is the Communist Party which rules the country.
Conclusion

The Communist Party of China occupies important position in the political system of China. In fact it
played a unique role in bringing the revolution and dominated the policies and decisions after the
revolution.
The Communist Party of China is organised on the principle of democratic centralism. Democracy is
found in the election of various organs of the party, with the lower organ electing the higher one.
Centralism is evident in the decision which are taken by the top party organs and the lower organs
faithfully carry out the decisions. The Party has hierarchical structure with cell as the basic unit. Cells
are formed in factories, schools, colleges and even streets. They propagate party’s ideology and
programme. Above the cell stand the Municipal Party Congress, the Provincial Congress and the
National Party Congress. The National Party Congress creates Central Committee which works
through Polit Bureau. Above the Polit Bureau stands the Standing Committee which contains all
leading party leaders and takes all important decisions. The Party also has a Secretariat and certain
other control commissions.
Role: Communist Party has significant role in the Chinese system. It is the decision-making centre
and implementing organ and has monopoly of power. (1) It acts as defender of revolution and tries to
curb anti-revolutionary elements. (2) It works as guide and philosopher of people and inculcates
spirit of dedication and selflessness among the people. (3) It preaches Marxian-Leninist and Maoist
ideology among people. (4) It exercises firm control on government. It sponsors candidates for various

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