National People's Congress

The National People's Congress (NPC) is the supreme organ of state power of the People's Republic of China. It heads the country's system of people's congress and is the largest legislative body in the world, with 2,878 members in 2026. The NPC has the power to change China's communist state constitution, make legislation, and watch over important government groups.

The NPC meets once a year in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, usually for about two weeks. During these meetings, called the Two Sessions, leaders talk about past policies and plans for the future. Because it meets only once a year, most of its work is done by a smaller group called the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, which meets every two months.

Members of the NPC are chosen by smaller groups across China, and the Chinese Communist Party has a strong role in how they are selected. The NPC elects or can remove top leaders in China, including the head of government, the head of the court system, and the military leader.

History

The National People's Congress began with the First National Congress of the Chinese Soviets, held in 1931 in Ruijin. This event marked the start of a series of assemblies that shaped China's political structure. After World War II, in 1945, talks between different political groups led to discussions about reforms. By 1949, a new conference helped establish the People's Republic of China, setting up its government and important symbols like the national anthem and flag. In 1954, the National People's Congress officially became the main governing body of the country.

Organization

The National People's Congress (NPC) meets for about two weeks each year in the spring, together with the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, known as the Two Sessions. Between these meetings, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress carries out the NPC's duties.

Before each meeting, a preparatory meeting elects a Presidium to manage daily affairs during the sessions. The NPC Standing Committee is the permanent body that meets regularly and handles most legislative work throughout the year. It passes laws, oversees government organs, and appoints or removes top-level officials except for national-level positions. Ten special committees, such as the Ethnic Affairs Committee and Financial and Economic Affairs Committee, help study specific issues and draft legislation.

Powers and responsibilities

Main article: System of people's congress

The National People's Congress (NPC) is the highest authority in China, with the power to make laws and decide important national issues. It controls key parts of the government, such as the presidency, the military, and the courts. However, its decisions are guided by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which has the leading role in the country.

The NPC has several main duties. It can change the Constitution, elect or appoint top government leaders, create and change laws, and review major national plans and budgets. While it sometimes discusses and votes on laws, many decisions are made beforehand by the CCP. This often means the NPC supports the government's plans, though there have been a few cases where laws were changed or rejected after discussion. The NPC also works with other countries' legislatures to share ideas and promote China's policies.

Membership

See also: Delegations to the National People's Congress

The National People's Congress (NPC) has up to 3,000 members, chosen by local governments across China. These members meet for about two months each year and do not get paid for their work. They can come from any part of the country, even if they do not live there.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has a strong influence over who becomes a member of the NPC. While most members belong to the CCP, about a third of the seats are reserved for people from other groups, like smaller political parties and experts. These members add different ideas but do not oppose the CCP's leadership. The NPC tries to include people from many backgrounds, such as different ethnic groups and regions like Hong Kong and Macau. The military also sends its own group of members to the NPC.