2015 Study Guide – Russia/China Mini-Unit

Concepts

  • Legitimacy
  • Citizens follow the laws because they believe in the government’s right to rule
  • Authoritarian Regimes
  • Lack well-established rule of law, Concentrate power in executive- effective decision makers and can create stability
  • Command economy
  • Quotas, plans of production and distribution
  • Unitary governments
  • Highly centralized policy process
  • Participate is different than democratic because state organized participation
  • Elections: citizens may be allowed to participate in order to provide legitimacy to the ruling regime.
  • Civil society examples
  • Require voluntary associations
  • Religious groups, labor unions, women’s groups
  • Patron-client relationships – responsibilities and obligations are based on a hierarchy between elites and citizens.
  • Economic liberalization
  • Eliminate price controls
  • Reducing tariffs, encouraging foreign direct investment
  • Privatizing para-statals
  • Electoral Systems
  • Proportional representation produces the largest number of competitive political parties.

Russia

  1. History/ Political Culture/ Social Cleavages
  2. Asymmetrical Federalism
  3. Appointment of Governors- checks and balances
  4. Communist Manifesto, Karl Marx predicted that capitalism would no longer be a viable economic system after the revolution of the proletariat
  5. Democratic centralism most influential in shaping the political system during the earliest days of the Soviet Union.
  6. Regime Change
  7. 1991 break up of Soviet Union is an example of 20th century fragmentation
  8. Political culture
  9. Russians are more likely to believe in equality of result rather than equality of opportunity
  10. 1993 Constitution: established a hybrid presidential- parliamentary system.
  11. Social Cleavages
  12. Ethnic
  13. Caucuses- ethnic differences
  14. Chechnya- Most are Muslim, - not Russian, there are divisions within Chechens that are complicated; what is Chechnya like geographically and economically?
  15. Political Institutions
  16. Executive
  17. President
  18. Appoints prime minister? Vote and schedule a national referendum?
  19. Serves two successive six year terms (change in 2008 from four year terms to six year terms)
  20. Putin
  21. YEAR? Federalism changes- abolited sub-national units of government below the level of republic.
  22. Legislative
  23. Bicameral
  24. 1993 constitution gave the Duma the power to veto the president’s appointment of the Prime Minister
  25. Judicial
  26. Constitutional Court has the power of judicial review
  27. Linkage Institutions
  28. Political Parties: often base their organization on the appeal of a particular leader
  29. United Russia
  30. Liberal –Democratic
  31. Ultra nationalism
  32. Fair Russia
  33. Communist Party
  34. Post communist economic policies
  35. Yabloko
  36. Post communist economic policies
  37. Interest Groups
  38. State sponsored organizations
  39. NASHI, Russia’s youth group is subsidized and organized by the government
  40. Relationship between interest groups and the central government in Russia- interest groups and the government interact under therules of state corporatism
  41. Foreign NGOs 2013
  42. Media
  43. Extensive media freedom under Yeltsin and significant decrease in media freedom under Putin.
  44. Political Participation/ Protests
  45. Elite Recruitment
  46. nomenklatura
  47. Policy Focus
  48. Economy
  49. Post 1991- end of centrally planned economy
  50. “shock therapy” sudden free market economic reform accompanied by rapid democratic political reform
  51. Consequences:
  52. Increased unemployment
  53. Decentralized production decisions
  54. Increase in number of individually owned enterprises
  55. BRIC 2009 meeting, Russia lags the furthest behind because of declining oil prices.

China

  1. History/ Political Culture/ Social Cleavages
  2. Unitary System
  3. Communist Party
  4. Democratic centralism is the organizing principle
  5. Cleavages
  6. China’s government has given some latitude to ethnic minorities in such matters as population control and language
  7. Institutions
  8. Politiburo
  9. Executive
  10. President typically comes from their position as general secretary (Hu Jintao, Jiang Zemin, current?)
  11. Legislative
  12. Unicameral:
  13. Judiciary
  14. No independent judicial review
  15. Economic reform has led to judicial reform
  16. Linkage Institutions
  17. Elections
  18. Local competitive elections in Chinese villages, initiated by the state to control local corruption and incompetent leaders.
  19. Political participation
  20. Protests are more often tolerated from farmers because not political, mostly a local and specific issue.
  21. Media
  22. Role of government
  23. Internet is controlled monitored and censored by the government
  24. Still state-owned press
  25. Increase in number and types of media outlets? Increase in diversity of topics permitted for public discussion?
  26. Increase in investigative reporting
  27. Policy Focus
  28. Recent Democratic reforms
  29. Competitive village elections
  30. Mandatory retirement ages for national leaders
  31. A loosening of restrictions on internal movement within China
  32. Creation of special economic zones
  33. One child policy increases the median age
  34. Environment
  35. The Government has largely ignored environmental problems in the past and has focused on economic growth- causing major problems.

Comparisons

Russia & China

  • Both restrict the development of civil society, Russia supports the growth of capitalism,
  • Nature of social and potliical cleavages in China nd Russia are different because in china the communist party is still one important and stable channel of upward mobility, while in Russia it is not

UK & Russia

  • Uk has FPTP, Russia uses PR – for what positions?
  • Civil society in Russia is relatively undeveloped – examples?
  • Lower house of the legislature is the more powerful chamber in the policy making process
  • Russia presidential elections every 4 years, UK within 5 years
  • Prime Ministers- UK PM can be removed as a result of votes of no confidence in the lower house of the legislature.

China & Mexico

  • Suppressed student protests
  • Oil producers
  • Weak legislative assemblies relative to the exec
  • Have a president

Russia & Mexico

  • Weak judicial systems lacking independence
  • Proportional representation in the lower house of the legislature

RUSSIA & China FRQs

2014 #6

Conceptual Analysis:

6. Legislatures are important institutions in both authoritarian and democratic regimes.

(a) Identify a function of a legislature that is common to both democratic and authoritarian regimes.

(b) Explain how a function of a legislature can strengthen democracy.

(c) Describe two ways a legislature can be controlled in an authoritarian regime.

(d) Explain why authoritarian regimes maintain legislatures.

Part (a): 1 point One point is earned for correctly identifying a function of a legislature that is common to both democratic and authoritarian regimes.

Acceptable identifications include:

• Representation

• Passing laws or budgets

Part (b): 1 point One point is earned for a correct explanation of how a function of a legislature can strengthen democracy.

Acceptable explanations may include:

• Responds to public demand for legislative action • Allows for clear and open debate about policy

• Facilitates compromise between factions

• Legislates to extend political rights or civil liberties

• Restricts power of executive

Part (c): 2 points One point is earned for EACH correct description of ways a legislature can be controlled in an authoritarian regime.

Acceptable descriptions may include:

• Manipulates election rules for parties and voters

• Controls election results

• Creates a dominant or single party system

• Appoints representatives

• Limits legislative meeting time

• Limits or restrain debate of opposing views

• Limits or prohibit changes to executive proposals

• Co-opts or represses dissenting legislators

• Prohibits legislative

Part (d): 1 point One point is earned for a correct explanation of why authoritarian regimes maintain legislatures. Acceptable explanations may include:

• To maintain political legitimacy

• To establish the pretense of popular support

• To respond to international pressure

• To provide a forum for superficial debate

• To recognize cleavages in an effort to reduce tension

• To support government propaganda

• To build party support or compliance

2013 #6, economic liberalization

6. Political economy involves the study of the relationship between states and markets. (a) Define economic liberalization. (b) Describe the actions governments take in pursuing a policy of economic liberalization regarding TWO of the following: x Subsidies x Tariffs x Ownership of companies and firms x Foreign direct investment (c) Identify one international organization that promotes economic liberalization. (d) Explain one reason for pursuing economic liberalization. (e) Explain one reason for resisting economic liberalization.

One point is earned for a correct definition of economic liberalization. An acceptable definition is: • Economic liberalization involves the reduction of state intervention in the economy. • Move to free market policies, if explained in part (b). Note: The definition must indicate that liberalization is a process. Part (b): 2 points One point EACH is earned (for a total of 2 points) for a correct description of actions that governments take in pursuing a policy of economic liberalization. An acceptable description of subsidies is: Governments reduce or eliminate subsidies. An acceptable description of tariffs is: Governments reduce or eliminate tariffs. An acceptable description of ownership of companies and firms is: Governments privatize state-owned companies. An acceptable description of foreign direct investment is: Governments open up the economy to foreign direct investments. Part (c): 1 point One point is earned for correctly identifying an international organization that promotes economic liberalization. An acceptable identification may include: • The World Bank • The European Union (EU) • World Trade Organization (WTO) • The International Monetary Fund • United Nations AP® COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS 2013 SCORING GUIDELINES © 2013 The College Board. Visit the College Board on the Web: Question 6 (continued) Part (d): 1 point One point is earned for each correct explanation of a reason for pursuing economic liberalization. Acceptable explanations may include: • Foreign direct investment in order to bring money into the country. • Domestic firms that are more competitive, more efficient, or more innovative. • A diversified economy. • Benefits to consumers, including lower price or more options. • Reduced budget deficits. • Compliance with structural adjustment policies. • Desire to join an international organization, like the EU. Part (e): 1 point One point is earned for each correct explanation of a reason for resisting economic liberalization. Acceptable explanations may include: • Reduced government control, influence, or sovereignty. • Widening income inequality. • Domestic firms unable to compete. • Environmental damage. • Deteriorating working conditions. • Reduced elite control over resources. • Increased unemployment. • Fear of instability or vulnerability, linked to a specific policy.

2013 #7 athoritarian regimes

Country Context: We suggest that you spend approximately 40 minutes (20 minutes each) on questions 7 and 8. 7. Refer to the following map and indicators of democracy from the Economist Intelligence Unit. Source: (a) Define the concept of a hybrid regime. (b) Using the map above, identify the type of regime in Russia AND identify the type of regime in China. (c) Describe the characteristics of TWO of the following elements of Russia’s political system. Explain how these characteristics contribute to the regime designation of Russia. x Electoral competition x Civil society x Media (d) Describe the characteristics of TWO of the following elements of China’s political system. Explain how these characteristics contribute to the regime designation of China. x Electoral competition x Civil society x Media

One point is earned for the correct definition of a hybrid regime. An acceptable definition is: A hybrid regime has elements of both democracy and authoritarianism. Note: Definitions that identify hybrid regimes as illiberal or transitional regimes are not sufficient. Definitions that refer only to deficiencies in democratic institutions and processes are not sufficient. Definitions need to reflect both authoritarian and democratic elements. Part (b): 1 point One point is earned for correctly identifying Russia as a hybrid regime AND China as an authoritarian regime. Part (c): 3 points One point is earned for descriptions of characteristics of TWO of the elements of Russia’s political system. One point is earned for each correct explanation (for a total of 2 points) of how TWO of the following characteristics contribute to the regime designation in Russia. Note: Description and explanation must be linked. Note: The examples below are not exhaustive; they are meant to illustrate the need for responses to reflect both authoritarianism and democratic elements. AP® COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS 2013 SCORING GUIDELINES © 2013 The College Board. Visit the College Board on the Web: Question 7 (continued) Element Acceptable descriptions include … Acceptable explanations include … Electoral Multiparty elections  BUT some parties are excluded from electoral process Competition Some parties excluded  BUT elections include parties other than United Russia Civil NGOs, mass protests allowed  BUT they are restricted, leaders sometimes arrested Society Restrictions on NGOs, protests  BUT some NGOs and mass protests are allowed Media Small market media mostly free  BUT large market media government-owned, controlled Large market media government-  owned, controlled BUT small market media mostly free Part (d): 3 points One point is earned for descriptions of characteristics of TWO of the elements of China’s political system. One point is earned for each correct explanation (for a total of 2 points) of how TWO of the following characteristics contribute to the regime designation in China. Note: Description and explanation must be linked. Note: Response must highlight authoritarian elements, albeit limited democratic elements are possible. Note: The examples below are not exhaustive; they are meant to illustrate the need for responses to connect the description of elements of the political system in China to a central authority. Element Acceptable descriptions include… Acceptable explanations include… Electoral Real electoral competition is not allowed … BY the state and/or the Communist Party Competition Civil Society There is widespread persecution of activists … BY the government Media Media are widely censored BY the leadership/party elites

2012 #2 Russia socialization

  1. Define political socialization. Describe two methods Russian authorities currently use to socialize citizens.
  2. One point is earned for a correct definition of political socialization. An acceptable definition includes: • The process by which people form their ideas about politics and acquire their ideas about government • The process by which political values are formed and transmitted from one generation to the next One point is earned for each of two descriptions of methods currently used by Russian authorities to socialize citizens. Acceptable descriptions include: • State-controlled media sets agenda and primes citizens on important issues, as well as controlling the debate and establishing norms. • The government controls textbook content and educational curriculum to shape people’s ideas about government. • Progovernment youth organizations such as Nashi and progovernment rallies have been organized to support the regime. • Proregime Internet campaigns are used to depict Putin as a strong and capable leader. • The Russian Orthodox Church bolsters the legitimacy of the regime.

2012 #3 China economic liberalization

3. Explain how two current environmental problems in China resulted from its economic liberalization. Describe one policy the Chinese government has developed in response to one of these environmental problems.

One point is earned for each of two explanations of how current environmental problems in China resulted from its economic liberalization. Current environmental problems may include: • air pollution • habitat loss • land contamination • urban sprawl • water pollution Acceptable explanations for how the problems listed above resulted from economic liberalization may include: • expansion of industry • lack of government regulation • increased use of automobiles • increased consumption • poor infrastructure Notes: Explanations must demonstrate linkage to economic liberalization. Explanation may be the same for two distinct environmental problems. One point is earned for a correct description of a policy the Chinese government developed in response to the environmental problem identified above. Acceptable descriptions of a policy include: • temporarily shutting down factories • physically moving factories • implementation of green technologies and subsidies to companies using them • reduced use of automobiles or controls on automobile emissions • better legal framework for policy regulation • greater planning in or increased infrastructure development

2011 #, china social cleavge

  1. Describe a major social cleavage in China. Discuss two policies the Chinese state has adopted since 1990 in response to that cleavage.
  2. One point is earned for a correct description of a social cleavage in China. Acceptable descriptions include the following: • Ethnic (Xinjiang, Tibet, Uighurs) • Urban/rural • Interior/coastal or East/West • Generational • Class, rich/poor, income • Gender Note: A very short description is enough as long as a division is implied. The following responses do not earn credit: religion generally or by name; a place name; elite/nonelite; party/nonparty; an issue or controversy/ Falun Gong. One point is earned for each correct discussion of a policy the Chinese state has adopted in response to that cleavage. Acceptable discussions of policies may include the following: • Urban/rural o Migrant policies and residency requirements o Incentives for foreign or domestic investment in rural areas o Local/village elections (e.g., 1998 organic village law) o New agriculture/rural land policies o Antipoverty programs, including New Socialist Countryside 2006 policy o Infrastructure development such as roads, dams and communications in rural areas o Improved education (compulsory education, building of more schools) o Limited rural pensions in some areas o Policies on rural protests o Devolution of social policies to be more responsive to local or rural needs o Tax policies o Subsidies Note: One-child policy (or relaxation of one-child policy) is not an answer unless the response specifically cites governmental reactions to the 2008 earthquake. If the response does not correctly identify a cleavage, it cannot earn a policy point. • Ethnic o Crackdown on protest by ethnic minorities and use of military to maintain order o Restricting information into and out of ethnic minority regions o Increased infrastructural/development projects in ethnic areas (including water) o Improved access to education o Subsidies to ethnic/border regions (agricultural, educational) o Incentives for foreign or domestic investment o Increased efforts to recruit more ethnic minorities into the regional and national leadership AP® COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS 2011 SCORING GUIDELINES © 2011 The College Board. Visit the College Board on the Web: Question 4 (continued) • Interior/coastal or East/West o Shifting focus of development to the West/Great Western Development program o Infrastructure, development and land reclamation projects in the West (including water) o Improved access to education o Incentives for foreign or domestic investment in West to reduce disparities o Promotion of charity/donations • Class/rich or poor/income gap o Public spending to create jobs o Programs to help retrain unemployed, especially from state-owned enterprises (SOEs) o Increased tolerance of localized protests as long as they do not target the party o Arrests of workers, low-income people and migrants who target the party o Crackdown on lawyers representing workers or low-income people o Promotion of benefits for migrant workers o Community provisions of social services o Tax policies • Generational o Provision of limited pension for rural older people o Provision of community services for older people o Very gradual relaxation of one-child policy in urban areas • Gender o New laws against/raising awareness about domestic violence and sexual harassment o Criminalization of sex-selected abortion o Hosting of 1995 conference on women in Beijing o Toleration of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that target women’s issues o Efforts to reduce sex trafficking

2011 #8 civil liberaties Russia ndmexico