| China | Australia |
Legislature | In the Chinese constitution it states that “The Republic of China, founded on the Three Principles of the People, shall be a democratic republic of the People, by the people, and for the people.” and the people exercise this authority through the main legislative body, the National People’s Congress (NPC). National People’s Congress (NPC) * The NPC is considered the highest state power * Holds annual meetings to approve the budget make amends to the constitution and elect high ranking officials * Unlike Australia, China’s legislative function is unicameral, meaning there is only one house of Parliament * Deputies are elected to the National People’s Congress by Deputies in the Lower People’s Congress * The spread of Communism is such that 70% of the representatives are also members of the CPC * In this sense, coupled with the infrequency of meetings, the NPC enables the CPC to rubber-stamp their drafted legislation. * Conversely, in Australia there are two dominant parties with near equal representation (although one always has a majority), and a variety of minor parties which represent the beliefs and values of the people * Whilst the two party system is a feature characteristic of Australian politics the CPC’s dominance of the NPC enables them to express sole party rule over the Chinese citizens * The true political force behind China’s legislative function is the CPC * Although the major legislative body of the CCP is the CCP’s National Party Congress, in real effect, day to day policy is determined by smaller party units * The national party congress has over 2900 members and meets just once every five years * The most important of these smaller sub-units is the Politburo Standing Committee, which comprises the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and the Secretary-General * This elitist group consists of just nine members who direct the aims of the Communist regime and despite the rights granted to the people by the Chinese Constitution, it is these officials that monopolise legislative power. NPC Standing Committee * Meets more frequently than NPC * Approximately 160 members ...