Politicality is the essential attribute of ideological and political education. The value and meaning of ideological and political education derive from its

politicality. Therefore, to understand the political nature of the subject, it is imperative to have a firm grasp of the three inherent issues of guiding ideology, leadership and political orientation. The politicality of ideological and political education includes the upholding of the guiding roles of Marxism and the partys leadership and will. It also means that ideological and political education should be organized and structured around the ideology of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Acknowledging and emphasizing the politicality of ideological and political education does not equate to the negation of the subjects other attributes. Instead, the accentuation helps reinforce and nurture its many other attributes. The intrinsic qualities of guiding ideology, leadership and political orientation constitute the three unique and indispensable attributes of ideological and political education as it enters a new era.