State Structure and Organs of State Power

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of state governance of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and introduces state structure and organs of State power. The ultimate political and legal superstructure of the PRC is featured by the political leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) or the Party—the Party leads all lines of work and all walks of life. Three organs of Government are presented within this political and legal superstructure. Two broad categories of components in the State machinery are defined for further elaboration in later chapters; one is for the defense and protection of the State against external and internal enemies, and the other for the upkeep, continuation and promotion of society and its welfare. The two categories of State apparatuses interact between them, and the latter category interacts directly with the economic base or infrastructure, hereby establishing causal linkages between the superstructure and the infrastructure. This structure of governance is replicated at local levels and administrative divisions are presented and explained accordingly. The chapter concludes by deliberating on the literal translation of the Mandarin title of this book, China—across vertical and horizontal connexions, which portrays lucidly the features and dynamics in PRC governance.