* y, National People’s Congress > Superior most institution and as the repository of the governmental authority. > It has been declared as an organ through which the people exercise state power. Therefore, the People’s Congress System is China’s fundamental political system. > Congressmen are elected by regional Congresses, by autonomous regions, by Municipalities working under the central government and by People’s Liberation Army, each according to its quota. >The mode of election is based on secret ballot while the constitution guarantees holding of free and fair elections.Duration The Congressmen are elected for a period of five years but the Congress can be dissolved before the expiry of its term and it can be extended as well. >The Standing Committee of the Congress is responsible to make proper arrangements for holding fresh elections prior to the completion of its term.Sessions Sessions of the Congress is held once a year in Beijing. Standing Committee of the Congress normally summons its session. In addition to it, the Chairman of the Congress can also summon the session on the request of one fifths of its members. Powers National People’s Congress National People’s Congress is the supreme law-making body, which is fully authorized to enact laws, alter or repeal the existing ones. It also approves the administrative policy for the state. Another most important power lies in its choice of government officials.1. Enactment of Laws: > During its sessions, the Congress enacts new laws and makes necessary alterations in the existing ones, if circumstances so demand. Constitution can be amended with the support of two-thirds majority of the members « the Congress whereas ordinary laws are enacted by simple majority. >It is to be noted, that the acts of the Congress cannot be challenged in the Supreme Court.2. Executive Powers: > National People’s Congress is also empowered under the constitution, to supervise the execution of constitutional laws and the statutes. It can affect and control administrative policies through its choice regarding the appointment of superior public officials. >All the administrative departments along with their in charge ministers are accountable to the Congress in respect f performing their official functions. Congress also exercises the power to approve National Economic Policy and the annual budget. »>Congress is fully authorized under the constitution to exercise all such powers as it thinks expedient and necessary within its sphere of action.3. Elective functions: »>Congress holds a pivotal position within governmental structure by virtue of its power to elect the top-notch occupants of the governmental authority. Under the new constitution, it also elects the President and Vice President of the Republic and appoints Premier of the State Council on the recommendation of the President. >On the advice of the Prime Minister, it also appoints other ministers. Congress is also empowered to remove the ministers. It also exercises the power to appoint or remove the President of the Supreme Court and Chief Procurator of the Supreme Procurator.Role Analysis: Though the People’s Congress is constitutionally fully authorized to exercise all the foregoing powers, in practice it is not an active body. Rather its position, considering from democratic view-point, as a free law-making body is merely in theory. Its major reason lies in the fact that rarely its sessions are held on regular basis. It meets in session once a year, that too continues for not more than few days. The deputies do not find sufficient time to participate effectively in deliberations due to excessive load of work. The powers of Congress are virtually exercised by its Standing Committee during much time of the year.