<正>Gao Xinjun of the Central Compilation and Translation Bureau has for many years been engaged in the comparative study of different political and economic systems, local governing systems, grassroots democracy and political reform, as well as China’s triple issue of agriculture, farmers and the countryside. After examining U.S. practice, he published Investigation and Case Studies of American Local Governments and Governance Systems. China Today interviewed Mr. Gao on issues relating to Chinese democratic practices at the grassroots level.