本子計畫的研究主軸為透過「直選」的制度誘因觀察它對中國大陸基層治理影響程度。「直選」衍生兩項制度機制，分別是選舉賦予公民以選票決定地方幹部的去留，再者選舉提升地方幹部的基層代表性。在以直選決定幹部的基礎下，地方幹部是否會因直選的民意壓力，忽視上級命令傾向民眾需求，更具地方利益的代表性？另方面，從國家機器治理需求層面，直選是否有助於提升地方治理績效，加強地方管理？種種問題都需要進一步進行瞭解。本計畫即希望透過三年的觀察，解析既有「有限選舉」機制探究制度改革對基層治理的民眾回應性（responsiveness）與政府效率（efficiency）的影響。 The main theme of this project intends to analyze the mechanism of the institutionalization of popular election of local officials on local governance. There are two political consequences of popular election. The first one is that citizens might employ their votes to determine the fates of incumbent local officials. The other one is that, through popular vote, it promotes the legitimacy of local officials. Therefore, this study examines how local elections might promote political accountability of local officials, and how this institution reform might make local officials more responsive and efficient.
