---
title: "Politburo Standing Committee — AP Comp Gov Definition"
description: "The Politburo Standing Committee is the real center of power in China, a 7-member CCP body that controls the NPC and explains why China's legislature isn't independent."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/politburo-standing-committee"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Comparative Government"
---

# Politburo Standing Committee — AP Comp Gov Definition

## Definition

The Politburo Standing Committee is the highest decision-making body within the Chinese Communist Party. It consists of seven members who hold significant power in shaping China's policies.

## Related Study Guides

- [2.7 Independent Legislatures](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2/independent-legislatures/study-guide/Vs6SME5s6OWJon0T8VSt)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Central Politburo: A larger body within the CCP that consists of around 25 members and is responsible for setting policies.
- [General Secretary](/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/general-secretary): The leader of the Chinese Communist Party, who also holds a position within the Politburo Standing Committee.
- Collective Leadership: A principle followed by the CCP where decisions are made collectively rather than by one individual.