ABSTRACT
Many endemic defects of the Chinese political-administrative system appeared repeatedly over the 1950-1965 period. The relationship of external threat and rectification methods is much weaker for post-1949 China, however, due to the qualitatively greater security provided by the fact of national power. Within the rectification framework, however, there have been variations in method of implementation and severity of sanctions. Deviations under criticism also varied according to the rhythm of consolidation and mobilization. The fluctuating emphasis on coercion and persuasion during the Socialist Education Movement did not reflect larger decisions concerning social and economic policy, it rather was a product of changing leadership perceptions of elite shortcomings themselves. The norms had been forged during the consolidation of Tse-tung Mao's power and marked an open, tolerant style of leadership which contributed greatly to the loyalty of his colleagues. The charges brought against high level leaders and the appearance of new theoretical emphases represented a frontal attack on the remaining Party norms.
