Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications

Course: Introduction to Chinese Civilization

School: College of Overseas Education

Student No: F22130117

Name: YOUSSEF AL HINWAH

Submission date: 02/01/2024

Lecturer: Yin Jian

Major: BBA 1
 MOROCCO-CHINA LEGAL AND POLITICAL SYSTEM

Embarking on an exploration of the legal and political realms of Morocco and China
unveils a tale of contrasts that reverberates through the corridors of history and
governance. As two nations with distinct cultural heritages and political philosophies,
Morocco's constitutional monarchy and China's one-party socialist republic serve as
contrasting canvases upon which the narratives of their legal and political landscapes
unfold. This paper aims to illuminate the unique intricacies that differentiate these
systems, examining the historical roots, constitutional foundations, and contemporary
dynamics that shape Morocco and China's distinctive paths in the ever-evolving world of
governance. Through this comparative lens, we navigate the complexities that underpin
these nations' legal structures, providing insights into the diverse trajectories they have
charted in response to their respective historical, social, and geopolitical contexts.

Historical Background:

In tracing the historical narratives of Morocco and China, distinct threads emerge,
weaving contrasting tales of governance, cultural preservation, and adaptive resilience.

Morocco's historical tapestry is intricately woven with the enduring legacy of the
Alaouite dynasty, a symbol of continuity established in the 17th century. This monarchy,
deeply rooted in Morocco's cultural fabric, has demonstrated remarkable adaptability,
steering the nation through social, political, and economic transformations. As Morocco
weathered external pressures and internal upheavals, the monarchy's ability to assimilate
influences fostered a unique blend, characterizing contemporary Morocco. Beyond its
political role, the monarchy emerged as a custodian of cultural heritage, ensuring the
continuity of traditions amidst colonial influences and global dynamics. The
transformation from a traditional governing structure to a constitutional monarchy
reflects Morocco's commitment to harmonizing tradition with progress.
In stark contrast, China's historical narrative spans millennia, marked by dynastic
transitions and expansive empires. Unlike Morocco's constitutional monarchy, China
operates as a one-party socialist republic, emphasizing centralized authority under the
Communist Party. The contrast deepens as Morocco's Alaouite dynasty symbolizes
continuity, while China's political structure has undergone radical shifts, including the
establishment of the People's Republic in the 20th century.

While Morocco's monarchy evolved in response to modernizing demands, China's

political landscape underwent revolutionary transformations, culminating in a distinct
one-party system. The adaptation and resilience observed in Morocco's monarchy differ
from the revolutionary upheavals and ideological shifts that characterized China's
political journey. The role of cultural preservation also takes a divergent path, with
Morocco's monarchy actively safeguarding traditions, languages, and customs, while
China's historical landscape reflects a vast array of cultural influences, both preserved
and transformed through millennia.

In essence, the historical backgrounds of Morocco and China illuminate the contrasting
paths these nations have traversed, from dynastic continuity in Morocco to revolutionary
transformations in China, shaping their respective identities, political structures, and
approaches to cultural heritage.

Constitutional Framework:

Contrasting Morocco's constitutional reforms of 2011 with China's political structure

reveals divergent paths in shaping the power dynamics and governance models of these
nations.

In Morocco, the constitutional reforms of 2011 represented a transformative moment,

emphasizing a commitment to constitutional monarchy that blends monarchical traditions
with contemporary democratic principles. The deliberate redistribution of powers marked
a departure from a more centralized authority structure, reflecting a paradigm shift
towards a participatory and inclusive governance model. This recalibration manifested in
tangible changes, with increased legislative authority for the parliament and a more
prominent role for the prime minister. The move towards participatory governance
showcased Morocco's responsiveness to citizens' changing expectations, emphasizing
transparency, accountability, and representation.

Contrastingly, China maintains a one-party socialist republic with a centralized political

structure under the Communist Party's authority. While Morocco embraced a
participatory model, China's governance is characterized by a centralized authority
structure, limiting political pluralism. The role of elected bodies in decision-making, as
seen in Morocco's reforms, differs significantly from China's more centralized approach.
In Morocco, the constitutional amendments aimed at integrating elected institutions into
the decision-making process as a response to evolving societal expectations. This reflects
a commitment to democratic ideals and an acknowledgment of diverse voices. In China,
the political landscape has seen less emphasis on multi-party participation and more on
the dominant role of the Communist Party in decision-making processes.

Therefore, the contrast between Morocco and China lies in their respective approaches to
governance models – Morocco embracing constitutional reforms towards participatory
democracy, and China maintaining a more centralized political structure with a single-
party system.

Role of the Monarch:

Contrasting the roles of the monarch in Morocco with the leadership structure in China
unveils significant differences in their political dynamics and societal influences.

In Morocco, the monarch, often referred to as the King, plays a multifaceted role deeply
ingrained in the nation's governance structure. Beyond ceremonial duties, the King holds
both political and religious authority, appointing key officials and actively participating
in strategic decision-making. This dual role on the international stage positions the
monarch as the face of Morocco in diplomatic circles, reflecting diplomatic acumen and
underscoring the geopolitical importance of the nation.

In contrast, China's political landscape operates under a one-party socialist republic with
a paramount leader, rather than a monarch. The role of the paramount leader, typically
the General Secretary of the Communist Party, differs from the Moroccan monarch's
multifaceted role. While the paramount leader holds significant political influence, their
role lacks the fusion of political and religious authority seen in the Moroccan monarchy.

Moreover, the unifying force of the monarch in Morocco, fostering stability and cohesion
in a diverse socio-political landscape, contrasts with China's emphasis on unity under the
Communist Party. China's approach centers around ideological unity, with the Party
acting as the stabilizing force, transcending regional and cultural differences.

Historically, the monarch in Morocco has played a role in social and economic
development, engaging in initiatives to improve citizens' welfare and foster economic
growth. In China, social and economic development is primarily driven by the state under
the guidance of the Communist Party. The centralized planning and state-driven
initiatives in China differ from the more direct engagement of the monarch in Morocco's
socio-economic landscape.
Therefore, the roles of the monarch in Morocco, encompassing political, diplomatic, and
socio-economic dimensions, stand in contrast to the leadership structure in China, where
political authority is concentrated in the hands of the Communist Party's paramount
leader.

Social and Political Impact:

Contrasting the social and political impact of Morocco's monarchy with China's political
landscape unveils divergent approaches to stability, continuity, and the balance between
tradition and progress.

In Morocco, the monarchy has emerged as a linchpin, fostering stability amidst regional
and global uncertainties. By embodying continuity and tradition, the monarchy
contributes to the nation's resilience in the face of external pressures, providing a
cohesive force that resonates across Moroccan society. The active engagement of the
King in social and economic development initiatives underscores a commitment to
improving citizens' lives, showcasing a hands-on approach to addressing challenges and
promoting sustainable development.

In contrast, China's political stability is largely attributed to the centralized authority of

the Communist Party, rather than a constitutional monarchy. The emphasis on ideological
unity and strict state-driven governance sets China on a different trajectory, with stability
maintained through a centralized leadership structure. The role of the Chinese leadership
in social and economic development is characterized by state-driven initiatives, differing
from the more direct involvement of Morocco's monarchy.

However, while Morocco engages in ongoing debates about the distribution of power,
democratization, and the balance between tradition and progress, China's political
landscape is marked by a single-party system and centralized authority. China's emphasis
on political unity, guided by the Communist Party, contrasts with Morocco's dynamic
tension between tradition and modern aspirations, as reflected in discussions around
constitutional reforms and power distribution.

This dialogue on democratization in Morocco, a reflection of a society grappling with

preserving historical continuity while embracing participatory governance, stands in
contrast to China's more rigid political structure. The monarchy's role in Morocco
becomes a focal point in shaping the nation's evolving political landscape, illustrating the
delicate balance sought between tradition and progress – a narrative that diverges
significantly from China's political evolution.
Challenges and Reforms:

Contrasting the challenges and reforms faced by Morocco with the political landscape of
China reveals distinct approaches to political representation, human rights, regional
development, and governance responsiveness.

In Morocco, despite strides made with constitutional reforms in 2011, challenges persist
in achieving a more democratic system. Political representation remains a focal point,
with ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of reforms in enhancing inclusivity.
Debates on the distribution of political power and the representation of diverse voices
underscore Morocco's commitment to political evolution. Human rights issues, including
freedom of expression and the independence of the judiciary, constitute a layer of
complexity. Morocco grapples with aligning historical and cultural context with
international human rights standards, seeking convergence while safeguarding individual
liberties.

Contrastingly, China's political landscape is characterized by a one-party socialist

republic, emphasizing centralized authority under the Communist Party. Political
representation in China follows a single-party system, diverging significantly from
Morocco's aim for broader inclusivity. Human rights concerns are approached differently,
with China facing international scrutiny for its approach to freedom of expression and the
treatment of marginalized groups.

Regional development poses a challenge for both nations, but the mechanisms differ.
Morocco addresses regional disparities through strategic policies, with the monarchy
playing a role in promoting equitable development. In China, regional imbalances are
managed under a centralized planning model, guided by state-driven initiatives.

Examining ongoing reforms reveals Morocco's responsiveness to societal demands, with

the monarchy engaging in constitutional amendments and policy initiatives to address
challenges. Mechanisms for citizen participation demonstrate a recognition of evolving
needs and a willingness to incorporate diverse perspectives.

In essence, the contrast lies in the political structures and approaches to challenges –
Morocco navigating a path towards democratic evolution with a focus on inclusivity,
human rights, and regional development, while China maintains a centralized political
system with unique considerations for political representation and human rights.

In conclusion, the exploration of Morocco's and China's legal and political systems
unveils a stark contrast in their paths of governance, reflecting the intricate interplay
between tradition and modernity, centralization and inclusivity.
Morocco, with its constitutional monarchy deeply rooted in the Alaouite dynasty,
demonstrates a commitment to a more inclusive and participatory governance model. The
constitutional reforms of 2011 marked a significant shift, emphasizing responsiveness to
societal demands, recalibrating powers, and actively engaging the monarch in socio-
economic development. Challenges persist, but Morocco's adaptability and commitment
to change showcase a nation navigating the delicate balance between historical continuity
and the dynamic aspirations of its people.

Conversely, China, operating under a one-party socialist republic, embodies a centralized

political structure with an emphasis on ideological unity. The paramount role of the
Communist Party contrasts sharply with Morocco's evolving political landscape. China's
approach to political representation, human rights, and regional development differs,
reflecting a more rigid political trajectory.

As Morocco and China chart their respective courses into the future, the conclusion
recognizes the pivotal role of the monarchy in Morocco's trajectory and the unique
dynamics of China's political evolution. These divergent narratives highlight not only the
complexities within each nation but also the diverse approaches to governance, tradition,
and progress in the global landscape.