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Administrative divisions of China Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: China's Administrative Divisions and Governance

Cheat Sheet:
China's Administrative Divisions and Governance Study Guide

Constitutional and Practical Governance Structures

The Constitution of the People's Republic of China stipulates that governmental organization comprises only two primary levels: provincial and county.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Constitution of the People's Republic of China delineates three primary levels of government: provincial, county, and township. The assertion of only two levels (provincial and county) is therefore inaccurate.

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In practical administration, China utilizes five distinct levels of local government.

Answer: True

Explanation: While the constitution defines three primary levels, the practical administrative structure in China incorporates five tiers: provincial, prefecture, county, township, and village.

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Villages and urban communities are constitutionally recognized as a distinct government level in China.

Answer: False

Explanation: While villages and urban communities function as the lowest tier in practical administration, they are constitutionally designated as 'basic level autonomies' rather than formal government levels.

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Basic level autonomies like villages primarily function as formal government bodies with significant political power.

Answer: False

Explanation: Villages and similar 'basic level autonomies' serve organizational functions for census, mail delivery, and community organization, but they do not possess the status of formal government bodies with significant political representative power.

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In 1949, the People's Republic of China officially defined its administrative divisions as having four levels.

Answer: False

Explanation: Upon its establishment in 1949, the People's Republic of China officially defined its administrative divisions as having three levels: provincial, county, and township.

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Proposed reforms aim to increase the number of administrative levels in China to five.

Answer: False

Explanation: Proposed reforms aim to reduce the number of administrative levels, typically from the current five practical levels down to three (provincial, county, village), not increase them.

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According to the Constitution of the People's Republic of China, what are the stipulated primary levels of government?

Answer: Provincial, county, and township levels.

Explanation: The Constitution of the People's Republic of China explicitly defines three primary levels of government: provincial, county, and township. While other administrative tiers exist in practice, these are the constitutionally recognized foundational levels.

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In actual practice, how many levels of local government exist in China, and what is the highest level among them?

Answer: Five levels, with the highest being provincial.

Explanation: In practical application, China's administrative structure extends to five levels: provincial, prefecture, county, township, and village. The provincial level remains the highest among these.

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Which of the following is considered a "basic level autonomy" but NOT a formal government level according to the Chinese constitution?

Answer: Village

Explanation: Villages function as 'basic level autonomies' within China's administrative framework but are not formally designated as government levels by the constitution, unlike townships, counties, and prefectures.

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What is the primary goal of proposed reforms to China's administrative divisions?

Answer: To reduce administrative levels, decrease corruption, and lower the budget.

Explanation: Proposed reforms aim to streamline the administrative structure by reducing the number of levels, thereby mitigating corruption and decreasing governmental expenditure and personnel.

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Historical Evolution of Chinese Administration

Provincial boundaries in China have undergone constant and significant changes since the 17th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: Provincial boundaries in mainland China have remained remarkably stable since the 17th century, with most significant alterations occurring post-1949, particularly in the establishment of autonomous regions.

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The earliest hierarchical administrative divisions in China, established during the Qin dynasty, were "zhou" (provinces) and "xian" (counties).

Answer: False

Explanation: The Qin dynasty established a two-tier system of 'jun' (commanderies) and 'xian' (counties). The 'zhou' (province) level was introduced later, notably during the Han dynasty.

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The Yuan dynasty introduced provinces as a distinct administrative level, creating a four-tier system.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Yuan dynasty significantly reformed administrative structures by establishing provinces ('xing sheng') as a primary tier, contributing to a four-tier system of governance.

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The Republic of China's reforms in 1928 eliminated the county level of administration.

Answer: False

Explanation: The administrative reforms of the Republic of China in 1928 aimed to streamline the system into provinces and counties, and to extend administration below the county level, rather than eliminating the county level.

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After 1949, practical administrative adjustments included inserting prefectures between provinces and counties.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the establishment of the PRC in 1949, administrative structures were practically adjusted, notably by inserting prefectures as an intermediate level between provinces and counties.

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The Qin dynasty's administrative reforms aimed to decentralize power away from the central government.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Qin dynasty's administrative reforms were designed to centralize power and consolidate control by establishing a hierarchical system of commanderies and counties, thereby strengthening the central government.

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What is the historical characteristic of provincial boundaries in mainland China since the 17th century?

Answer: They have remained largely unchanged, with significant shifts only after 1949.

Explanation: Provincial boundaries in mainland China have demonstrated considerable stability since the 17th century, with major reorganizations primarily occurring after the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

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The administrative structure established during the Qin dynasty consisted of which two levels?

Answer: Commanderies (jun) and Counties (xian)

Explanation: The Qin dynasty implemented a hierarchical administrative system comprising two primary levels: 'jun' (commanderies) and 'xian' (counties).

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How did the administrative structure evolve during the Sui and Tang dynasties?

Answer: They abolished commanderies and added "circuits" (dao/lu).

Explanation: During the Sui and Tang dynasties, the administrative structure evolved from the Qin/Han system by abolishing commanderies and introducing 'circuits' (dao/lu) as a higher administrative tier, maintaining a three-level system.

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What was a key administrative reform implemented by the Republic of China in 1928?

Answer: Streamlining to provinces and counties, and attempting administration below the county level.

Explanation: In 1928, the Republic of China implemented reforms that streamlined the administrative hierarchy to provinces and counties, while also initiating efforts to establish administrative structures below the county level, such as townships.

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What practical adjustment was made to China's administrative structure after 1949, adding a level between provinces and counties?

Answer: Prefectures

Explanation: Following 1949, the practical administrative system incorporated prefectures as an intermediate level between provinces and counties, deviating from the initial three-tier constitutional definition.

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What historical administrative structure did the Yuan dynasty establish?

Answer: A four-tier system with provinces as a distinct level.

Explanation: The Yuan dynasty significantly restructured administration by introducing provinces ('xing sheng') as a primary tier, thereby contributing to a four-tier hierarchical system.

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Contemporary Administrative Divisions and Units

As of 2017, China administered exactly 33 provincial-level divisions, including claimed territories.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2017, China officially administered 33 provincial-level divisions, encompassing provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, and special administrative regions, with Taiwan also being claimed as a province.

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The first level of administrative divisions includes provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, and special administrative regions.

Answer: True

Explanation: The highest tier of administrative divisions in China, known as the first level, comprises provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government, and special administrative regions.

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Prefecture-level cities are the only type of second-level administrative division in China.

Answer: False

Explanation: Prefecture-level cities are a primary type of second-level administrative division, but other forms such as prefectures, autonomous prefectures, and leagues also exist at this tier.

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As of August 2015, China had fewer than 2,000 county-level divisions.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of August 18, 2015, China possessed 2,852 county-level divisions, a figure substantially exceeding 2,000.

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Banners are a type of county-level division found exclusively in Tibet.

Answer: False

Explanation: Banners are indeed a type of county-level division, but they are primarily found in Inner Mongolia, not exclusively in Tibet.

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Township-level administrations in China include towns, townships, and ethnic townships, but not subdistricts.

Answer: False

Explanation: Township-level administrations encompass a variety of units, including subdistricts, towns, townships, and ethnic townships, among others.

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"Sums" are administrative divisions unique to Inner Mongolia, functioning at the township level.

Answer: True

Explanation: The administrative divisions known as 'sums' are indeed unique to Inner Mongolia and operate at the township level, similar in function to townships elsewhere.

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In 2017, China had over half a million village committees.

Answer: True

Explanation: As of 2017, China reported the existence of 558,310 village committees, which function as basic level autonomies.

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Cities designated in the state plan, like Shenzhen, are economically subordinate to their provincial governments.

Answer: False

Explanation: Cities designated in the state plan, such as Shenzhen, possess de facto provincial-level economic status and are thus economically independent of their respective provincial governments.

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Sub-provincial cities have mayors with a political rank equivalent to a provincial governor.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mayors of sub-provincial cities hold a political rank equivalent to a provincial vice-governor, not a full provincial governor.

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Sub-prefecture-level cities hold less administrative power than county-level cities.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sub-prefecture-level cities possess a higher administrative rank than county-level cities, often being administered directly by the province and considered half a level above county-level divisions.

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The term "shi" (city) in China unambiguously refers only to provincial-level municipalities.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'shi' (city) in China is ambiguous and can refer to administrative divisions at various levels, including provincial-level municipalities, prefecture-level cities, and county-level cities, as well as the urban area governed by such entities.

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Since the 1980s, the trend in China has been to convert prefecture-level cities back into prefectures.

Answer: False

Explanation: Since the 1980s, the predominant trend has been the conversion of prefectures into prefecture-level cities, rather than the reverse.

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Chongqing was elevated to provincial-level status in 1997.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chongqing Municipality was established as a direct-controlled municipality, equivalent to provincial-level status, in 1997.

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Prefecture-level cities in China typically govern only their immediate urban core.

Answer: False

Explanation: Prefecture-level cities encompass not only their urban core but also surrounding rural areas, often including multiple counties and smaller cities.

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Autonomous regions in China are designed for minority ethnic groups and theoretically have greater legislative rights than standard provinces.

Answer: True

Explanation: Autonomous regions are established for minority ethnic groups and are constitutionally granted greater legislative rights compared to standard provinces, although practical autonomy can be limited.

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The PRC administers Taiwan as a prefecture-level city.

Answer: False

Explanation: The People's Republic of China claims Taiwan as 'Taiwan Province,' not as a prefecture-level city.

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Pudong, a district in Shanghai, holds administrative powers equivalent to a county-level division.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pudong, while a district within Shanghai, is granted sub-provincial powers, effectively placing it half a level higher than a typical county-level division.

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There are 30 autonomous prefectures in China, mostly located in the western regions.

Answer: True

Explanation: China has 30 autonomous prefectures, the majority of which are situated in the western regions of the country and are designated for ethnic minority populations.

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Suburban districts within Chinese cities typically contain only subdistricts.

Answer: False

Explanation: Suburban districts typically govern both subdistricts within urbanized areas and surrounding towns and townships, encompassing rural territories.

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Which of the following is NOT among the types of divisions constituting the first level of administrative divisions in China?

Answer: Prefecture-level cities

Explanation: The first level of administrative divisions includes provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, and special administrative regions. Prefecture-level cities constitute the second level of administration.

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What are "banners" in the context of Chinese administrative divisions?

Answer: County-level administrative divisions found in Inner Mongolia.

Explanation: Banners are administrative divisions at the county level, primarily utilized within the autonomous region of Inner Mongolia, retaining terminology from historical Mongolian administrative systems.

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As of 2017, approximately how many township-level administrations were there in China?

Answer: Around 41,000

Explanation: In 2017, China reported having 41,034 township-level administrations, which include various types of units such as towns, townships, and subdistricts.

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What is the administrative significance of cities like Dalian, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shenzhen, and Xiamen?

Answer: They are designated in the state plan and have de facto provincial-level economic status.

Explanation: These cities are designated in the state plan, granting them special economic status and de facto provincial-level authority in planning and budgeting, making them economically distinct from their provincial governments.

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What distinguishes a "sub-provincial city" in China's administrative hierarchy?

Answer: Its mayor holds a rank equivalent to a provincial vice-governor.

Explanation: Sub-provincial cities are characterized by their mayors holding a political rank equivalent to a provincial vice-governor, and their subordinate district governments are ranked half a level higher than typical districts.

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What has been the dominant trend regarding prefectures in China since the 1980s?

Answer: Most prefectures have been converted into prefecture-level cities.

Explanation: Since the 1980s, the administrative landscape has seen a significant transformation wherein most traditional prefectures have been reorganized and upgraded into prefecture-level cities.

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Which of the following is an example of a sub-provincial city?

Answer: Harbin

Explanation: Harbin is recognized as a sub-provincial city. Chongqing is a provincial-level municipality, Xiamen is a city designated in the state plan, and Macau is a Special Administrative Region.

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In a Chinese province, who typically holds the highest leadership position?

Answer: The Provincial Committee Secretary

Explanation: The Provincial Committee Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party typically holds the preeminent leadership position within a province, ranking above the Governor.

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What does the term "shi" (city) potentially refer to in China's administrative context?

Answer: Various administrative levels from provincial down to county, or the area governed by a city.

Explanation: The term 'shi' (city) in China is multifaceted, encompassing administrative units from the provincial level down to the county level, as well as the geographical area under a city's jurisdiction or its urban core.

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How does the People's Republic of China claim Taiwan in its administrative divisions?

Answer: As 'Taiwan Province'.

Explanation: The People's Republic of China officially designates Taiwan and its associated islands as 'Taiwan Province' within its administrative framework, despite the territory being governed by the Republic of China.

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Which of the following cities is NOT among the five designated in the state plan with special economic status?

Answer: Shanghai

Explanation: The five cities designated in the state plan with special economic status are Dalian, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shenzhen, and Xiamen. Shanghai, while a major economic hub and a provincial-level municipality, is not part of this specific designation.

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What is the administrative status of Hong Kong and Macau within the PRC?

Answer: They are Special Administrative Regions (SARs) with a high degree of autonomy.

Explanation: Hong Kong and Macau are designated as Special Administrative Regions (SARs) under the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle, granting them a high degree of autonomy in most affairs except defense and foreign policy.

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The administrative divisions known as "sums" are unique to which region and function at what level?

Answer: Inner Mongolia; township level

Explanation: The administrative divisions termed 'sums' are specific to Inner Mongolia and operate at the township level, fulfilling a similar administrative role to townships in other regions.

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Which of the following is a type of county-level division in China?

Answer: Autonomous banner

Explanation: Autonomous banners are recognized as a type of county-level administrative division within China, particularly in Inner Mongolia. Leagues are a higher-level division, while subdistricts and sums are typically township-level or below.

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Key Policies, Concepts, and Institutions

Individuals in China generally do not identify with their native province or associate stereotypes with its inhabitants.

Answer: False

Explanation: Provincial identity remains a significant aspect of cultural affiliation in China, with individuals often identifying strongly with their native province and associating distinct stereotypes with its populace.

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The Civil Service system in China does not align with the country's administrative levels.

Answer: False

Explanation: With the exception of Special Administrative Regions, China's Civil Service system is structured to align with the country's administrative levels, ensuring a hierarchical framework for public administration.

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The "One Country, Two Systems" principle grants full autonomy to all Chinese provinces.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'One Country, Two Systems' principle applies specifically to the Special Administrative Regions (SARs) like Hong Kong and Macau, granting them a high degree of autonomy, but not to all provinces.

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The "Four Pests campaign" targeted sparrows, rats, flies, and mosquitoes.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Four Pests campaign,' initiated during the Great Leap Forward, aimed to eradicate sparrows, rats, flies, and mosquitoes, which were considered detrimental to public health and agriculture.

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The "Tang ping" movement advocates for increased work hours and intense competition.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Tang ping' ('lying flat') movement represents a societal trend characterized by a rejection of overwork and intense competition, advocating instead for a more relaxed and less ambitious lifestyle.

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The "Chinese Dream" concept, promoted by Xi Jinping, focuses on the decline of China's global influence.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Chinese Dream' concept, as articulated by Xi Jinping, emphasizes the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the enhancement of its global influence and strength, not its decline.

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The United Front Work Department is primarily responsible for China's foreign defense policy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The United Front Work Department's primary role involves managing relations with non-communist parties, organizations, and individuals, aiming to garner support for the Chinese Communist Party's policies, not foreign defense policy.

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The Ministry of Public Security is responsible for managing China's stock exchanges.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ministry of Public Security is primarily responsible for maintaining public order, law enforcement, and internal security. It does not manage China's stock exchanges.

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The "Great Firewall" refers to China's system for managing its national railway network.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Great Firewall' is the colloquial term for China's extensive internet censorship and surveillance system, not related to its railway network management.

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The "Reform and opening up" policy signified a move towards a more closed, centrally planned economy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Reform and opening up' policy initiated in the late 1970s marked a significant shift towards a market-oriented economy and increased global integration, representing a move away from a strictly closed, centrally planned system.

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The "Four Olds" campaign targeted old customs, old culture, old habits, and old ideas during the Cultural Revolution.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Four Olds' campaign, a component of the Cultural Revolution, aimed to eradicate 'old customs, old culture, old habits, and old ideas' from Chinese society.

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The "Four Treasures of the Study" are essential tools for Chinese calligraphy and painting.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Four Treasures of the Study'—brush, ink, paper, and inkstone—are indeed fundamental implements for traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting.

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The Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) is the Minister of National Defense.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) is the paramount leader of the armed forces, a distinct position from the Minister of National Defense, although often held by the same individual in practice. The Chairman holds supreme command authority.

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The Central Leading Group for Propaganda, Ideology and Culture guides the nation's environmental protection efforts.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Central Leading Group for Propaganda, Ideology and Culture is responsible for guiding propaganda and ideological work, not environmental protection efforts.

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How do provinces contribute to cultural identity in China?

Answer: People identify with their native province, and specific stereotypes are often associated with inhabitants.

Explanation: Provinces play a significant role in cultural identity in China, serving as focal points for regional affiliation and often carrying distinct stereotypes associated with their respective populations.

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The "One Country, Two Systems" principle primarily applies to which administrative divisions?

Answer: Special Administrative Regions like Hong Kong and Macau.

Explanation: The 'One Country, Two Systems' principle is specifically applied to the Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of Hong Kong and Macau, granting them a high degree of autonomy under PRC sovereignty.

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What historical event led to the "Four Olds" campaign targeting old customs, culture, habits, and ideas?

Answer: The Cultural Revolution

Explanation: The 'Four Olds' campaign was a significant initiative launched during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) as part of its broader ideological objectives.

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Which of the following is NOT one of the "Four Treasures of the Study"?

Answer: Scroll

Explanation: The 'Four Treasures of the Study' are the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. A scroll is a medium for displaying artwork or calligraphy, but not one of the four essential tools themselves.

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The "Tang ping" movement reflects a societal attitude characterized by:

Answer: Rejection of overwork and a desire for a more relaxed pace of life.

Explanation: The 'Tang ping' movement signifies a cultural shift where individuals consciously opt out of intense work culture and societal pressures, prioritizing a more relaxed and less competitive lifestyle.

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What is the main responsibility of the United Front Work Department?

Answer: Managing relations with non-communist parties and organizations.

Explanation: The United Front Work Department is tasked with engaging and coordinating with various non-communist political parties, mass organizations, and influential individuals to foster support for the policies of the Chinese Communist Party.

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The "Great Firewall" is associated with which aspect of China?

Answer: Internet censorship and surveillance.

Explanation: The 'Great Firewall' is the widely recognized term for China's sophisticated system of internet censorship and surveillance, designed to regulate online content and access.

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What significant economic shift did China undertake with the "Reform and opening up" policy initiated in the late 1970s?

Answer: A transition towards a market-oriented economy and increased global integration.

Explanation: The 'Reform and opening up' policy marked a fundamental transition in China's economic strategy, shifting from a rigid planned economy towards market mechanisms and greater engagement with the international economic system.

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