From July 7-15, 1999, a Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU) delegation studying U.S. federalism was hosted by AFPC in Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington, DC.

The seven member delegation from Beijing was headed by Chen Fujin, deputy director-general of the Office of the State Commission for Public Service Structure and Establishment Administration.

Lessons in Federalism

With the help of the Foley & Lardner law firm, the Chicago portion of the program focused on the judicial system, exploring the federal and state courts.

In Philadelphia, the group looked at inter-government relations, meeting with Rep. Curt Weldon (R-PA-7) and Mark Gage, former deputy mayor of Philadelphia. They also examined corporate interaction with municipal, state and federal governments.

In Washington, the group studied the differing jurisdictions of civilian and military courts.

They also looked at private sector efforts, via trade and industry representatives such as the Council of Chief State School Officers and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, to affect policy.