how far was the communist government responsible for the famine in China which occurred in 1958 to 1961
Answers
a, It has been argued by economists and political analyst that the form of government largely impacts country's economic condition and policy decisions.
b. In case of China, which has a one party system where there are elections to elect the Parliament, but only those are allowed to contest who belong to Communist party of China or to some smaller parties which are allied with it, candidates contesting also required prior approval of the Communist party, thus offering no real choice to the people, is undemocratic in nature.
c. The government in China ,is always formed by the Communist Party. Since there was no opposition, no free press, Communist government failed to act to the need of the hour which worsened the situation and led to worse famine.
d. Communist government there did not tolerate any dissent, or any criticism, with no check on it . Certainly the government acted in a dictatorial manner with complete insensitivity to people's need.
e. The communists were not responsive to the needs of the people. It was neither accountable nor responsible.
f. Unlike a democratic regime, where Political competition among political parties ensures that parties respond to the needs of the people.
Fear of losing power compels political leadership to be attentive to people's needs
g. Further, a democratic country has never faced such a large famine like situation as there is a constant check by the opposition, pressure by media to respond to people's need.
h. A Democratic government is accountable and responsible as it peoples's own government who ensure that policies are not made as per whims and fancies of rulers.