[dxdm]

I'm assuming people become members of the politburo after a substantial career in the political party apparatus, maybe even longer than it takes to become a member of congress. Of course, there will be differences between coming up in the one system or the other, but essentially I'd say they are career politicians just the same.

Presumably, there's also a very strong selection process to make it into the top ranks of this political system, that will have a very strong effect on who gets there and how they get shaped on the way - not mentioning the forces within, once you're in place.

So while it would be wrong to say the initial background makes no difference, I wonder how much influence it still holds once you make it into the politburo.