One of the major tasks for the deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) is to make laws. But how does it work?[Special coverage]
NPC deputies submit motions which become legally binding once adopted. But before they can submit, they have to get at least 30 signatures for each one.
This screening process not only trims the number of motions, but also gives lawmakers a chance to lobby for support.
NPC deputies were first assigned to raise motions in 1983. The number of submissions grew sharply from 61 in that year to a peak of over 13-hundred in 2004. It has remained around 500 since 2005.
The quality of the motions is on the rise as well. Many have been accepted, become effective, and have made a difference for the people.
For instance, NPC Deputy Zhou Hongyu put forward a motion in 2003, calling for free compulsory education in China's rural areas. But it was turned down, due to China's financial inability to cover such a big program. Zhou raised this motion again the following year, emphasizing its feasibility and urgency. The suggestion finally became reality in 2005, and is now benefiting hundreds of millions of kids living in rural areas.
This is just one example of countless motions that have made a difference to people's livelihood and the development of the country.
