What drives reforms in local people's congresses?: the dynamics of local congressional developments in PRC :1979-2011

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the development of Chinese local people’s congresses (LPCs) in the reform era (1979 onwards). It explores the dynamics behind this development and the role LPCs play in legal-political reform in China. Changes to LPCs are examined in the following areas: national laws and local regulations concerning the LPC system, organization and operation of the LPCs and their standing committees, elections for deputies at both direct and indirect level, and the activities of deputies, including deputy-voter interactions. Based on empirical findings, this thesis argues that LPC reform involves top-down legal reform of the congressional system, social stratification, the emergence of new social classes, a new awareness of rights, and greater public participation. It concludes that through congress elections, Chinese people are increasingly educated and trained to exert their political rights; meanwhile, through congress operations the Party state is becoming more institutionalized, legalized, and pluralistic. That is the contribution made by LPCs to the rule of law and democracy in China.