Study On The Central Political Council Of Chinese Kuomintang (1924-1937)

After the reorganization in 1924, the Kuomintang (KMT)’s form of organization developed continually from a party under a parliamentary regime to a Leninist party of national impact. Faced with the dilemma about both party and state’s construction, the KMT adapted the principle of "government by the party" into the structure and built up the party-state, with the Central Political Council as the "only link between party and state"On July 11th,1924, for the purpose of consolidating and centralizing power, the Central Political Council was set up as the highest policy making organ which is responsible directly for "Zongli" (the "General Manager"), Sun Yat-sen who simultaneously was the president of the organ. After Sun’s death, the Central Political Council underwent great changes corresponding to the relevant changes that happened, within the party and the state. Within the party, a subordinative relationship was taken shape clearly; within the state, the executive organ of which, the National Government was set up, based on the Central Political Council. By the opening of second party congress, the status of the Central Political Concil was confirmed as a standing organ subordinating to the Central Executive Committee, by revising the Constitution of the Kuomintang. After the beginning of Xunzheng (political tutelage), the Central Political Council exploiting its uniqueness, continually expanded its powers, from the discussion of political affairs to appointment of the officials, all encompassing.Because of the unique and prominent position the Central Political Council became the battleground where the struggles for power happened, inside and outside the KMT. Furthermore, It can be seen clearly that the tension among the party, the government and the army when an overview of the development of the evolution of the Central Political Council was taken.