Consolidating power

September 1949 - Chinese People's Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing (the capitol)

• Mao elected as chair
• Zhu De - senior vice chancellor
• CCP dominated the meeting
• They decided on a new flag

Common Program for China

• New constitution for republics in place in 1954
• Article five - Freedom of speech, economy, assembly, movement - Unless your a 'political reactionary' (which wasn't defined)
• Gave 8 political parties legal status
• Right to own private property
• Universal education
• Mao named head of state
• New flag

Symbolism

The large star represents the CCP

The four little stars represent the nationals, bourgeoisie, workers and peasants

Mass Organisations
For example -

• The Sino-soviet friendship association