POPULAR SUPPORT FOR VILLAGE SELF-GOVERNMENT IN CHINA.

Based on survey data collected in Jiangsu Province, this research finds that rural residents' evaluations of self-government institutions were more positive than those of the elected leaders. Villagers' subjective orientations — such as assessment of the village leaders' policy performance, beliefs in democratic institutions, and external efficacy — shaped their attitudes toward both self-government institutions and elected leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]