USA Vs China
USA Vs China
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Table of Contents:
I. Abstract ……………………………………………………………………………… 3
II. Introduction ……………………………………………………………………….…. 4
III. Literature Review …………………………………………………………………….5
IV. Methodology ………………………………………………………………………….6
V. Results ………………………………………………………………………………..7
VI. Conclusions ………………………………………………………………………….18
VII. References ………………………………………………………………………… 19
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I. Abstract:
In this report, we will be delving into the complex relationship between
the United States of America (USA) and the People’s Republic of China
by examining the similarities and differences shared by these
superpowers of today’s world. Specifically, this report will be tackling
the types of governments, the effect(s) of the country’s ideologies on its
economy, and how cultural factors affect each country’s decision.
The first section of this report explores the types of government in each
of the countries in detail. We are familiarized with the hierarchy of both
countries and the distribution of power in all forms of executed actions.
In the third section, the report analyzes how the clashing cultural factors
of each country affect regional and global geopolitical dynamics.
Moreover, the section delves into the effect of nationalism on the
societies of each country to discover a certain ‘pattern’ that might
differentiate both USA and China from other countries with similar
political backgrounds.
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II. Introduction:
The US and China are two prevailing powers with various
approaches to doing legislative issues, financial and social frameworks. It
is critical to comprehend the distinctions and similarities between these
countries to get a glimpse of the worldwide elements that shape our
present reality. We plan to give a detailed analysis of the various
elements of these two nations, covering their political systems,
government types, economy, ruling systems, culture, and their
significance on the worldwide level.
In this study, we hope to present the different paths that China and
US have taken in the past several years and their influence of their
actions on their relationships, both locally and internationally. By doing
so, and analyzing these key concepts, we should be able to get an idea of
what is shaping the international environment and predict the possible
future developments. Hence, understanding and featuring the obstacles
that both countries faced, along with their strengths and weaknesses, can
promote better cultural, economic, and political relationship between
each other, and between them and other nations.
Research Questions:
1. How does the type of government in the United States and China
shape their respective political environment and the exercise of
power?
2. How much do the domestic economies, international relations, and
socioeconomic policies get affected by the capitalism of United States
and communism of China?
3. How does the influence of cultural factors and nationalism in the
United States and China impact their societies, policies, and global
relations?
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III. Literature Review:
Governments and regimes in USA and china are quite different. Tons of studies
have been done to clarify these differences over the years. As we know, USA
adapted capitalism in its governance, while China believed that communism is the
best way to go. “The Chinese and the United States social, economic and political
systems are radically different. The same is true of their constitutions. China is a
socialist country; the Chinese Constitution is of the socialist type. The United
States is a capitalist country; Constitution is of the capitalist type.” (Zengyuan, P.,
(1989), A Comparative Perspective on the United States and Chinese constitutions,
William and Mary)
Similarly, nationalism also differ between the USA and China in terms of their
distinct values. Nationalism is a strong sense of self and pride in one's country,
frequently coupled by a conviction that it is superior or special. “As American
nationalism has developed into a “universalist” set of values, any standards that do
not align with the United States’ “universal” principles cause tension. On the other
hand, Chinese nationalism integrates the morals of Chinese culture, in turn
boosting the national and cultural identity. Both nationalist ideologies possess
distinctive characteristics and may have impacts on foreign policy.” (Roach, A.,
(2016), Spectrums of Nationalism: A Comparison of American and Chinese
Nationalism, Inquiries Journal)
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In recent developments, and the emergence of China’s dominating economy,
some might wonder whose economy is stronger and better-adapted, USA’s or
China’s. The world's two biggest economies are those of the United States and
China. In terms of their sizes, structures, economic systems, and responsibilities in
the global economy, the US and Chinese economies are very different from one
another. “Generally, most non-European countries see the United States as the
world’s leading economic power, while those in Europe tend to name China. For
example, in the Asia-Pacific countries surveyed, a median of 46% say the U.S. is
the top economy, while a 25% median say the same about China. Across many of
these countries, too, there is little ambiguity about which country is dominant, with
double-digit differences between the shares who choose the U.S. and who choose
China as the top economy.” (Huang, C., Delvin, K., and Silver, L., (2019), Views
of the balance of power between U.S. and China, Pew Research Center)
IV. Methodology:
Since our questions are quite broad and my topic of choice requires extensive
research and time, we will be tackling this study in a systematic way. Our primary
sources will be scholarly articles, publications, and trusted websites. In order to
detect common themes, trends, and patterns, multiple studies' findings must be
looked over. The reason we will be starting with those is because the people
responsible for publishing/writing them are most likely experts in their various
fields of history, politics, international relations, public administrations, and
journalism. They have done extensive research on these topics for months and
probably years. They also have conducted interviews, gathered details and
statistics by traveling from country to another, and maybe have access to
unpublished valuable information. So, after finding these article/websites of our
choice, we will go through relevant sections related to our topic and look for
appropriate and applicable material. By doing so, we will be able to create a
detailed study for our project. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find people that have
deep understandings of our topic to conduct interviews with. Also, scarce
information was gathered in surveys due to the lack of participation. But we
believe that by following this plan with scholarly articles, trusted websites, and
publications, we will be just fine and have more than enough information.
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V. Results:
Types of government:
USA:
In the United States, the government is in the form of a republic.
For starters, a republic is a form of government where citizens elect their
own representatives to act on behalf of them in the parliament an
represent their interests. Power rests in the hands of people who exercise
their right to vote and decide the country’s future through their
representatives. They have the power to influence the government
through participation, elections, and sometimes protest for something that
they don’t see right. For instance, one of the biggest protest waves in US
history began in May 2020 in response to the killing of George Floyd by
Minneapolis police. These representatives, from the president to
members of Congress and state/local officials, should satisfy the needs of
the people and meet their interests. The republic in the United States
highlights the importance of rule of law where everyone is equal under
the law. “This is the most current test of a first principle for a free
society, whether any person is above the law, and that includes
presidents.” (Roberts, W. (2023). Donald Trump becomes first former US
president to face criminal charges. International Bar Association.)
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branch has its own distinct responsibilities and jobs. This prevents the
concentration of power in a single entity in the government.
4. Limited government: The government cannot restrict people from
their rights and freedoms. This is a fundamental aspect of the
American republic. The government’s power is limited which ensure
individual liberty and freedom. “On several occasions, US supreme
court rulings have found that government cannot prevent people –
including interracial and same-sex couples – from getting married.”
(Gabunia, T. and Drew, C., (2023) 18 Limited Government Examples,
HelpfulProfessor).
5. Protection of individual rights: the American republic strongly believe
that individual’s right and freedom should be protected. Otherwise, it
is not a “Free Country”. People have the freedom of speech, religion,
voting… The media environment experiences high degrees of
pluralism, including newspapers, cable television networks, and much
more platforms for people to express their rights. Studies show that
the US scored 83/100 in the global freedom score (1)
China:
China is also a republic, but it is different somehow from
USA’s republic. China’s republic operates under the order of a single
party system known as the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is the
ruling party and has remarkable control over the decision making and
institutions and commands absolute authority over the various
sections of society. The military, administration, and many social and
economic institutions are all under the CPC’s control. China has been
undergoing economic reforms since the late 1970s, moving toward a
socialist market economy, but the CPC nevertheless maintains a solid
grip on the political system. The Chinese society, including the media,
educational system, and other social organizations, are heavily
influenced by the party. The government sets a high priority on
preserving social peace, defending national unity, and advancing the
principles of socialism. The head of state and government is the
president, elected by the National People’s Congress (NPC), the
country’s biggest legislative body. Individual liberties are usually
restricted and have limitations especially freedom of speech and
media.
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Here are some characteristics of the republic in China:
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Capitalism and Communism:
USA:
Capitalism is a socio-economic system based on individual
(private) control of the distribution and production of goods and
services. Instead of being owned and operated by the state or the
government, the majority of resources, such as labor, capital, and
land, are owned and controlled by private individuals, businesses, or
corporations in a capitalist system. Capitalism has a significant role in
USA’s known economy. The US is frequently viewed as having a
democratic based capitalist political-financial framework. This
democratic-republican concept is shared by both the Democratic and
Republican Parties in the United States. Most liberals and
conservatives typically support democratic capitalism in a manner or
another. Its foundation is deeply rooted in liberalism's principles of
equality and liberty.
China:
The Communist Party of China (CPC), which is now in power,
belongs to an economic and political ideology known as communism.
On October 1, 1949, Chinese Socialist pioneer Mao Zedong
proclaimed the making of Individuals' Republic of China (PRC). The
costly full-scale civil war between the Chinese Communist Party
(CCP) and the Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang (KMT), which
started right after World War II and had been going on and off since
the 1920s, came to an end with the announcement. The production of
the PRC likewise finished the long course of administrative
disturbance in China started by the Chinese Revolution of 1911. The
United States of America cut diplomatic ties with the People's
Republic of China (PRC) for decades after the PRC's "fall" to
communism in 1949. (The Chinese Revolution of 1949,
history.state.gov)
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3. Harmonious society and stability: The Chinese government puts
areas of strength for developing a harmonious society, fully intent
on advancing stability and guaranteeing efficiency. It perceives the
meaning of keeping up with social union and effectively addresses
concerns connected with pay inequality, contrasts among
metropolitan and country regions, and the diverse ethnic cosmetics
of the population. The public authority's need lies in encouraging a
feeling of solidarity among residents and handling financial
variations might emerge.
4. Centralized governance: China's political system is known for its
centralized decision-making process and hierarchical approach to
governance. The Communist Party of China (CPC) holds a firm
grip on political affairs, ensuring strict control over the
implementation of party policies. Within this system, any form of
dissent or opposition to the party's stance is met with limited
tolerance.
5. Socialist democracy: In China, a system of socialist democracy is
implemented, ensuring that the citizens actively engage in the
decision-making process through representative institutions
operating at different administrative levels, including the People's
Congresses. These Congresses serve as platforms where the
populace can participate and contribute their perspectives and
ideas. However, it is worth noting that while the Chinese
Communist Party (CPC) encourages and values the involvement of
the people, it still maintains a firm grip of political power.
6. State-owned enterprises: State-claimed enterprises (SOEs) assume
an urgent part in the Chinese economy, especially in crucial areas
like media communications, money, and energy. State-owned
businesses continue to have a significant impact on the economy as
a whole, despite economic reforms that allow for private sector
participation. These administration-controlled endeavors
essentially affect the country's financial scene.
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Parliamentary or presidential system:
USA:
The American government is run by a presidential system. The
president acts as both the top executive and the nation's symbolic leader in a
presidential system, where the functions of head of state and head of
government are distinct. The executive, legislative, and judicial branches
make up the three pieces of the American government. In addition to having
distinct responsibilities and authority, each branch is distinct from the others.
This check-and-balance framework ensures that nobody branch gains a lot of
power. The President assumes the role of the executive branch's leader and
assumes the responsibilities of the chief executive officer of the federal
government. In this capacity, the President is responsible for overseeing the
operations of government agencies, ensuring the enforcement and execution
of laws, and making crucial executive determinations. In a national election,
the people elect the President directly. The President of the United States
serves a specific term length of four years and has the option to run for
reelection for a second term. However, as per the 22nd Amendment to the
U.S. Constitution, the President is restricted from holding office for more
than two terms. This amendment ensures a maximum limit of two terms for
any individual serving as the President. The President wields significant
authority over the armed forces as the Commander-in-Chief of the American
military forces. This role grants the President the power to make critical
decisions and exercise control over military operations. While the President
may suggest legislation, the legislative branch (Congress) is ultimately
responsible for passing laws. The President can reject or sign bills into law,
but he or she cannot start new laws on their own. The Electoral College
method is used to elect the president, and each state is given a set number of
electoral votes based on how many representatives it has in Congress. The
President is chosen by the candidate who receives the most electoral votes.
China:
China, however, doesn’t have a parliamentary or presidential system.
All things considered, China's political construction is established on an
independently successful one-party socialist framework. A single party
framework best distinguishes China's political framework, with the
Communist Party of China (CPC) as the head of state. The Chinese People's
Congress (CPC) has significant influence over governance and decision-
making within the government. The CPC General Secretary is viewed as the
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top chief and has critical dynamic power. The public authority structure in
China is based on the State Council, which is the most elevated authoritative
expert in the country. The Premier is the head of government and the head of
the State Council. He or she is chosen by the National People's Congress
(NPC). While the Premier is in many cases seen as the most elevated
positioning government official, the genuine power and authority lie with the
Overall Secretary of the CPC. The Public Nation's Congress (NPC) is the
highest regulative body in China. It is made out of chosen agents from
different areas and supporters the nation over. The CPC has an impact on the
NPC's decision-making process, despite the fact that the NPC has the
authority to pass laws.
USA:
USA functions as under a federal system. Power is split between state
governments and a central government in a federal system. Both the
bureaucratic and state legislatures get their position from the Constitution,
and each degree of government has its own arrangement of abilities and
obligations. According to the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution,
federal law is the highest law of the nation and takes precedence over state
laws wherever there is a dispute. The national government and state
legislatures are viewed as isolated, sovereign organizations in a bureaucratic
framework. Each level of government is allowed to operate independently
within the confines of the authority it possesses as a result of the law. The
division of abilities allows an arrangement of shared administration wherein
a few issues, like international trade, national defense, and foreign policy,
are governed at the federal level and others, including education,
transportation, and criminal law, are principally handled by the states. The
federal judiciary, which includes the Supreme Court of the United States,
ensures that the Constitution and laws are applied correctly by acting as the
arbitrator in disputes between the federal government and state governments.
China:
China's arrangement of government is unitary, not federal. In a unitary
framework, the public government has the majority of the political power,
and local, state, and neighborhood legislatures are faithful to the central
government. The government is fundamentally accountable for dealing with
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the whole country and has significant control over territorial and local
administration. The Communist Party of China (CPC) is the country's ruling
party, and its leadership directs and influences the political course and
policies of the nation. The CPC Central Committee is critical in drafting
important policies, and the party's General Secretary is regarded as its
supreme leader. Although China has a unitary system, it does give some
territories with unique characteristics, like Hong Kong and Macau,
administrative autonomy. According to the "one country, two systems"
theory, these regions have their own different political, economic, and legal
systems from the rest of mainland China. The highest-level administrative
divisions in China are called provinces. A governor, chosen by the federal
government, heads the government of each province. Provincial
administrations are in charge of carrying out federal programs, overseeing
local governments within their spheres of influence, and handling regional
issues.
Nationalism:
USA:
The American nationalism that emphasizes shared values, history, and
goals has its roots in a strong feeling of American identity. It encourages a
sense of pride in being an American and a sense of national affiliation. In the
USA, nationalism in the form of patriotism is frequently valued. It contains
a desire to support and uphold the nation's interests and ideals as well as
affection and devotion for the nation. The blending of various cultures into a
unified "American" identity has historically been emphasized by American
nationalism. While preserving some of their cultural background,
immigrants and their descendants are urged to adopt American values and
practices. The notion that the United States is singularly unique and superior
in terms of its political system, economic success, and worldwide influence,
is frequently reflected in American nationalism. National anthems, flags, and
important historical occasions like Independence Day all contribute to a
general feeling of patriotism and pride in one's country. “Nationalism can
contribute to human progress and freedom and education and economic
vitality, or it can contribute to violence, fear, and international conflicts.” –
Lloyd Kramer.
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China:
Nationalism in China places a great emphasis on Chinese identity and
fosters a shared sense of being Chinese. Its core is built on shared historical
narratives, cultural norms, and a national destiny. In honoring the nation's
lengthy past and contributions to civilization, Chinese nationalism draws on
a strong sense of historical pride. It highlights the historical characters,
inventions, and accomplishments of China from the past, including
Confucius and Zheng He. It frequently emphasizes the value of territorial
integrity while reiterating China's historical claims to places like Tibet,
Xinjiang, and Taiwan. The "Century of Humiliation" (middle of the 19th to
middle of the 20th century) when China was subject to foreign invasions and
unfair treaties, had a lasting impression on Chinese nationalism. The
dedication to national harmony and sovereignty is strengthened by this
recollection. The recent rapid economic expansion and growing worldwide
importance of China have fed nationalism there. This has evolved to a
conviction in the "China Dream," which stands for China's rebirth as a
significant global force.
Culture:
USA:
The USA is known for its cultural variety because it is an immigrant-
heavy country with individuals of varied linguistic, racial, and religious
backgrounds. The country's cultural fabric has been enriched by its diversity,
which also contributes to its distinct personality. American popular culture,
which includes music, movies, TV shows, and fashion, has a big impact on
the rest of the world. The dissemination of American cultural ideals abroad
is aided by the broad appeal of American media and entertainment. Regional
cultural diversity has resulted from the USA's huge geographic breadth. The
distinctive customs, dialects, and cultural practices of each region contribute
to the diversity of American culture as a whole. The USA promotes the
principle that people should be allowed to express their views and practices
within the limits of the law and encourages cultural tolerance and freedom of
expression. Through a variety of arts, literature, food, and festivals, the USA
recognizes and promotes cultural expression. Numerous cultural celebrations
are extensively observed across the nation, including Chinese New Year,
Diwali, and Oktoberfest. With their languages, traditions, and practices,
immigrant populations have made major contributions to American culture
that have blended into the country's larger cultural fabric. While cultural
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diversity honors the diversity and vitality of American culture, nationalism
promotes a sense of belonging and national pride.
China:
Chinese culture has a 4,000-year history with a rich and varied past. It
encompasses, among other things, calligraphy, traditional medicine (such as
Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM), martial arts, literature, music,
festivals, and art (2). The country's cultural legacy and ideals are reflected in
traditional Chinese celebrations including the Spring Festival (Chinese New
Year), Mid-Autumn Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival, which are observed
countrywide. Confucianism has had a huge cultural impact on China,
emphasizing social peace, filial piety, respect for authority, and family
values. Due to China's extensive geography, different regional cultures have
emerged, each with its own distinct traditions, languages, and customs. The
nation's regional variety enhances the fabric of its culture as a whole. The
majority of people in China speak Mandarin Chinese, which is the country's
official language. Promoting Chinese helps to create a sense of linguistic
cohesion.
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VI. Conclusion:
The political structures of the United States and China are very different; the
former is a democratic republic with a presidential system, whilst the latter is a
unitary system with one-party rule by the Communist Party of China (CPC). The
USA emphasizes individual liberty, democracy, and pluralism, reflecting its
historical devotion to democratic principles and checks and balances. It also
supports a diverse cultural environment. China, on the other hand, emphasizes a
strong national identity, geographical integrity, and historical pride that are
strongly ingrained in its lengthy past. The CPC wields considerable control in
China's political system, which is characterized by centralized decision-making
and constrained political plurality. Despite the fact that both countries have strong
national identities and rich cultural legacies, the political systems, philosophies,
and policies of each country have an impact on international relations.
Recommendations:
These 2 countries should be more engaged in dialogues and communications
in various aspects, considering that they are two of the most powerful countries in
the world. With many issues rising in our modern world such as climate change,
cyber-attacks, racism, global warming, hunger and others, they should work
together to postpone, restrict, or best case prevent these kinds of worldwide
problems. Mentioning that these 2 countries have the most powerful and dominant
economies in the world, they could encourage trade of supplies and other things
between them to more enforce their global economy.
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VII. References:
Yang, L. (2014), Comparison between Chinese and American Cultures from the
Perspective of Consumption View, Atlantis Press
Huang, C., Delvin, K., and Silver, L., (2019), Views of the balance of power
between U.S. and China, Pew Research Center
(1): https://freedomhouse.org/country/united-states/freedom-world/2022
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The Chinese Revolution of 1949, history.state.gov,
https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/chinese-rev
Pimenta, D., PhD, (2023), US presidentialism: no room for political deadlock, The
no-room-for-political-deadlock/
Finessurey, S., Greaves, G., Capellan, L., U.S. Federalism, City University of New
York
https://usgovtpoli.commons.gc.cuny.edu/chapter-five-federalism-american-style/
Yuen, S. and Cheng, E., (2020), Between high autonomy and sovereign control in
a subnational island jurisdiction: The paradox of Hong Kong under ‘One Country,
Two Systems’, Island Studies Journal, 15(1)
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(2): https://www.visitourchina.com/guide/culture.html
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