Carnegie Mellon University The Republic of China Discussion Question

This week we will begin studying Unit Three: Unfinished Business? by exploring Case Study #5, democracy in the Chinese nation. Today, “China” the state, that is, the People’s Republic of China, is undemocratic. But another state that may be considered Chinese, the Republic of China in Taiwan, enjoys democracy, liberty, and self-determination. Historically, several Chinese leaders and thinkers attempted to adapt democracy for China by making use of China’s rich traditions.

This week’s reading has two parts. The first piece contains the works of Sun Yat-sen, a central figure in overthrowing the monarchy and establishing the first republic in China. The last is the constitution of the Republic of China. Please read pgs. 1509–1519 (pgs. 2–12 of the PDF). As in Japanese, Chinese names are in the surname–given name format.

What are the main features of Sun’s democratic principles? What problems was he trying to address? How does the constitution of the Republic of China compare with those from our previous case studies?

Citation information:
Amos J. Peaslee, Constitutions of Nations (Buffalo: William S. Hein & Co., 2011).

Sources of Chinese Tradition, Volume Two, 2nd ed. (New York: Columbia Press, 2000).