Two hierarchies with party leadership: The organization of power in two hierarchies of political structures illustrated principally there is the division between the party and government structure, in practice however, the two often perform similar functions. Government Structure: National's People Congress is the legislative branch, and State Council performs as the executive branch. In the principle of election, Chinese voters elect delegates to township and county people's congresses only and at all levels, congress delegates elect their governments. National People's Congress: NPC is the permanent body of legislative function. NPC delegates are elected for five year terms by delegates in provincial level congresses and the armed forces. NPC has extensive power including the amendment of the constitution, passage and amendment of legislation, approval of economic plans and government work reports, and appointment of top state and government leaders.
The legislatives power remains institutionally weak for two main reasons: 1) the practice of executive-led government and the practices of Communist Party Leadership. State Council: the State Council composed of the premier, state councilors, ministers, auditor general, and secretary general totally 35 members appointed by both premier and the NPC. Communist Party Leadership: the Communist Party exercises direct leadership over government and legislative functions in a variety of ways. NPC had power to appoint over candidate by party control effectively and little to no electoral choice. As to lawmaking, all important laws, constitutional amendments, and political laws submitted to the NPC or its Standing Committee must have prior approval by the party center. Judiciary: Judicial authority rests in the Supreme Court at the center and local court. The Supreme Court is responsible to the NPC, court at lower level is responsible for the people's congresses at their respective level.
