ABSTRACT
This chapter provides essential information on state power and governance structures in the People's Republic of China (PRC). It explains how state power is conceived, organized, and delivered in China. The chapter introduces key governance structures in China, including the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the State Council, the National People's Congress (NPC), the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the Central Military Commission, and provinces. It notes that state power in China is anything but static. State power in the early years of the PRC was conceived as a coalition of political elites from diverse backgrounds. State power was in the hands of the CCP leadership and ultimately under the control of Chairman Mao Zedong and his close associates. According to the Constitution of the PRC, the NPC is the highest organ of state power and exercises a wide range of functions and powers.
