Written by Frank Li
I believe I have the most accurate diagnosis for America (Diagnosis for America (Version 3)) as well as the best solution (Solution for America (Version 3)).
The most important part of my solution is to redefine the American Presidency, using the Chinese Presidency as a reference. Why do we need a reference? Because everything is relative! Why China? Because China is now our chief competitor, both economically and politically! Most importantly, the selection process for the Chinese President is far better than ours, yielding far better results for the country!
What, then, is the Chinese Presidency? Simply put, it is an earned kingship for 10 years!
1. Introduction
The current version of the Chinese constitution (Constitution of the People’s Republic of China) was adopted in 1982. It was developed with reference to the U.S. Constitution, of course.
The minimum age for the Chinese Presidency is 45. Another major requirement: the Chinese President is also the General Secretary of the ruling CPC (Communist Party of China) and a member of its Politburo Standing Committee, whose age limit is 68 (for entry). As a result, as well as for some other reasons, a Chinese President typically takes office at the age of about 60, limited to two five-year terms. For example, both President Xi Jinping (two terms: 2013-2023) and his predecessor Hu Jintao (two terms: 2003-2013) took office at age 60.
With such an age range (i.e. 45-68 to start) clearly defined, plus a bottom-up tiered system for career advancement (e.g. being a state governor and VP), a Chinese President will assuredly possess an optimal combination of experiences (i.e. not too young) and judgment (i.e. not too old). Yes, both Xi and Hu served as state governors as well as the Vice President, with a substantial amount of experiences, both domestic and international, under their belt before taking the top job in China.
In short, the Chinese Presidency is an earned kingship virtually assured for 10 years, with a term break in the middle as a just-in-case insurance.
2. Earned kingship
The Chinese President is like a king because of his absolute power while in office. But he is no king because his tenure is limited to 10 years at most and, more importantly, his job is not to be inherited by any of his children. Finally, it is earned, because he has to work his way to the top, replete with significant achievements along the way (America: What is China’s Political System, Anyway?)! As a result, while there is only room for one and the very best may not end up there, the President is always among the best, truly!
3. Autocracy
Theoretically, China’s political system is an “autocracy” (Wikipedia – autocracy), sitting between monarchy (i.e. total control) and democracy (i.e. chaos and self-destruction), with balance.
It has certainly been the best system for China, ever! It also appears to be the best system for most of the world. For example, most [pseudo] democracies in East Asia are stained with monarchical relationships, such as Taiwan (father-son), South Korea (father-daughter), Singapore (father-son), the Philippines (mother-son), and Japan (multiple father-son examples). All of them, under the guise of democracy, are actually more monarchical than China!
What about America? America is also more monarchical than China, especially if we end up with Clinton 2.0 vs. Bush 3.0 in 2016! For more, read: America: Are We Still A Republic?
4. Presidency: China vs. America
The current version of the Chinese Presidency has been in existence since 1982. After a few years of transition and turbulence (e.g. Tiananmen Square), it seems to have finally stabilized.
Compared with the American Presidency, the Chinese Presidency is much newer. Therefore, its long-term viability remains to be seen. However, I believe newer is better in this case for one main reason: the world has substantially changed since the American Presidency was largely defined more than 200 years ago! Any doubt? Look at this comparison:
Bottom line: The two recent Chinese Presidents have far outperformed the two recent American Presidents in all respects!
While two instances do not make a pattern for either system, you can enhance your vision with an in-depth understanding of the respective systems behind them! As a starter, read: Towards an Ideal Form of Government.
The Chinese Presidency, in my humble opinion, has been far better for China than the American Presidency has been for America, which is a key reason behind China’s astronomical rise and America’s steep decline over the past 15 years, at least, with no end in sight!
In case you did not know: No popularity contest winners or handout liars are allowed for the Chinese Presidency!
5. Closing
Monarchy is hopelessly obsolete! Democracy is a proven failure throughout human history (Democracy Prevailed over Communism, Really?)! Perhaps an earned kingship for 10 years is just right, for the 21st century and beyond …
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