ABSTRACT
Prudential rules - those rules of thumb about the types of behavior likely to result in success - are generally widely understood by leading participants in any established political system. These understandings are based on experience and practice; over time, high-level politicians and other actors learn what methods can build support and get things done. Apart from clashing with the theoretical insistence on the correctness of the Party line and the practical necessity of maintaining pressure for the implementation of that line, exercising the right to criticize approved policies risks the antagonism of the leader and/or the Politburo majority. Mao's commitment to a vigorous political process was underlined by his choice of closest collaborators. The generally stable situation produced conservative interpretations of prudential guidelines in other respects. While Mao certainly expected his colleagues to "deliver the goods", he apparently did not have unreasonable expectations in this regard.
