中國的民主

China: Democracy That Works

目錄

Contents

前言

Preamble

一、中國共產(chǎn)黨領(lǐng)導人民實(shí)現全過(guò)程人民民主

I. Whole-Process People's Democracy Under CPC Leadership

二、具有科學(xué)有效的制度安排

II. A Sound Institutional Framework

三、具有具體現實(shí)的民主實(shí)踐

III. Concrete and Pragmatic Practices

四、廣泛真實(shí)管用的民主

IV. Democracy That Works

五、豐富人類(lèi)政治文明形態(tài)

V. A New Model of Democracy

結束語(yǔ)

Conclusion

前言

民主是全人類(lèi)的共同價(jià)值，是中國共產(chǎn)黨和中國人民始終不渝堅持的重要理念。

今年是中國共產(chǎn)黨成立100周年。100年前，中國共產(chǎn)黨一經(jīng)誕生，就把為中國人民謀幸福、為中華民族謀復興確立為自己的初心和使命，為實(shí)現人民當家作主進(jìn)行了不懈探索和奮斗。100年來(lái)，黨高舉人民民主旗幟，領(lǐng)導人民在一個(gè)有幾千年封建社會(huì )歷史、近代成為半殖民地半封建社會(huì )的國家實(shí)現了人民當家作主，中國人民真正成為國家、社會(huì )和自己命運的主人。

中國的民主是人民民主，人民當家作主是中國民主的本質(zhì)和核心。黨的十八大以來(lái)，黨深化對中國民主政治發(fā)展規律的認識，提出全過(guò)程人民民主重大理念并大力推進(jìn)，民主價(jià)值和理念進(jìn)一步轉化為科學(xué)有效的制度安排和具體現實(shí)的民主實(shí)踐。全過(guò)程人民民主，實(shí)現了過(guò)程民主和成果民主、程序民主和實(shí)質(zhì)民主、直接民主和間接民主、人民民主和國家意志相統一，是全鏈條、全方位、全覆蓋的民主，是最廣泛、最真實(shí)、最管用的社會(huì )主義民主。

民主是歷史的、具體的、發(fā)展的，各國民主植根于本國的歷史文化傳統，成長(cháng)于本國人民的實(shí)踐探索和智慧創(chuàng )造，民主道路不同，民主形態(tài)各異。評價(jià)一個(gè)國家政治制度是不是民主的、有效的，主要看國家領(lǐng)導層能否依法有序更替，全體人民能否依法管理國家事務(wù)和社會(huì )事務(wù)、管理經(jīng)濟和文化事業(yè)，人民群眾能否暢通表達利益要求，社會(huì )各方面能否有效參與國家政治生活，國家決策能否實(shí)現科學(xué)化、民主化，各方面人才能否通過(guò)公平競爭進(jìn)入國家領(lǐng)導和管理體系，執政黨能否依照憲法法律規定實(shí)現對國家事務(wù)的領(lǐng)導，權力運用能否得到有效制約和監督。

民主不是裝飾品，不是用來(lái)做擺設的，而是要用來(lái)解決人民需要解決的問(wèn)題的。一個(gè)國家民主不民主，關(guān)鍵在于是不是真正做到了人民當家作主，要看人民有沒(méi)有投票權，更要看人民有沒(méi)有廣泛參與權；要看人民在選舉過(guò)程中得到了什么口頭許諾，更要看選舉后這些承諾實(shí)現了多少；要看制度和法律規定了什么樣的政治程序和政治規則，更要看這些制度和法律是不是真正得到了執行；要看權力運行規則和程序是否民主，更要看權力是否真正受到人民監督和制約。

民主是各國人民的權利，而不是少數國家的專(zhuān)利。一個(gè)國家是不是民主，應該由這個(gè)國家的人民來(lái)評判，而不應該由外部少數人指手畫(huà)腳來(lái)評判。國際社會(huì )哪個(gè)國家是不是民主的，應該由國際社會(huì )共同來(lái)評判，而不應該由自以為是的少數國家來(lái)評判。實(shí)現民主有多種方式，不可能千篇一律。用單一的標尺衡量世界豐富多彩的政治制度，用單調的眼光審視人類(lèi)五彩繽紛的政治文明，本身就是不民主的。

民主是多樣的，世界是多彩的。在世界文明的百花園里，中國的民主之花絢麗綻放。中國愿與各國交流互鑒、攜手合作，為人類(lèi)政治文明發(fā)展進(jìn)步貢獻智慧和力量。

Preamble

Democracy is a common value of humanity and an ideal that has always been cherished by the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese people.

This year marks the centenary of the CPC. Since its founding in 1921, the Party has taken wellbeing for the Chinese people and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation as its abiding goals, and has made continuous efforts to ensure the people's status as masters of the country. China is a country with a feudal history dating back several thousand years that descended into a semi-feudal and semi-colonial society after the Opium War of 1840. Over the past hundred years, the Party has led the people in realizing people's democracy in China. The Chinese people now truly hold in their hands their own future and that of society and the country.

The people's status as masters of the country is the essence of people's democracy. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, with a deeper understanding of China's path to democracy and the political system, the Party has developed whole-process people's democracy as a key concept and striven to translate it and relevant democratic values into effective institutions and concrete actions.

Whole-process people's democracy integrates process-oriented democracy with results-oriented democracy, procedural democracy with substantive democracy, direct democracy with indirect democracy, and people's democracy with the will of the state. It is a model of socialist democracy that covers all aspects of the democratic process and all sectors of society. It is a true democracy that works.

Democracy is a concrete phenomenon that is constantly evolving. Rooted in history, culture and tradition, it takes diverse forms and develops along the paths chosen by different peoples based on their exploration and innovation.

The best way to evaluate whether a country's political system is democratic and efficient is to observe whether the succession of its leaders is orderly and in line with the law, whether all the people can manage state and social affairs and economic and cultural undertakings in conformity with legal provisions, whether the public can express their requirements without hindrance, whether all sectors can efficiently participate in the country's political affairs, whether national decision-making can be conducted in a rational and democratic way, whether people of high caliber in all fields can be part of the national leadership and administrative systems through fair competition, whether the governing party is in charge of state affairs in accordance with the Constitution and the law, and whether the exercise of power can be kept under effective restraint and supervision.

Democracy is not a decorative ornament, but an instrument for addressing the issues that concern the people. Whether a country is democratic depends on whether its people are truly the masters of the country; whether the people have the right to vote, and more importantly, the right to participate extensively; whether they have been given verbal promises in elections, and more importantly, how many of these promises are fulfilled after elections; whether there are set political procedures and rules in state systems and laws, and more importantly, whether these systems and laws are truly enforced; whether the rules and procedures for the exercise of power are democratic, and more importantly, whether the exercise of power is genuinely subject to public scrutiny and checks.

Democracy is the right of the people in every country, rather than the prerogative of a few nations. Whether a country is democratic should be judged by its people, not dictated by a handful of outsiders. Whether a country is democratic should be acknowledged by the international community, not arbitrarily decided by a few self-appointed judges. There is no fixed model of democracy; it manifests itself in many forms. Assessing the myriad political systems in the world against a single yardstick and examining diverse political structures in monochrome are in themselves undemocratic.

In the richly diverse world, democracy comes in many forms. China's democracy is thriving alongside those of other countries in the garden of civilizations. China stands ready to contribute its experience and strength to global political progress through cooperation and mutual learning.

一、中國共產(chǎn)黨領(lǐng)導人民實(shí)現全過(guò)程人民民主

中華民族是歷史悠久、勤勞智慧的民族，創(chuàng )造了輝煌燦爛的政治文明。在5000多年歷史長(cháng)河中，中國人民探索形成的民本思想，蘊含著(zhù)豐富的民主因素，體現了中國人民對民主的樸素認知和不懈追求。但是，在封建專(zhuān)制之下，廣大勞動(dòng)人民始終處于受壓迫受剝削的最底層。近代以后，中國逐步成為半殖民地半封建社會(huì )，國家將傾，民族將亡，人民毫無(wú)民主可言。為救亡圖存，中國人民奮起抗爭，各種革命變革接連而起，各種救國方案輪番出臺，但都未能取得成功。辛亥革命后，中國模仿議會(huì )制、多黨制、總統制等西方政治制度模式的各種嘗試都以失敗告終。以“民主”“科學(xué)”為基本口號的新文化運動(dòng)的興起，俄國十月革命的勝利，五四運動(dòng)的爆發(fā)，馬克思主義在中國的傳播，促進(jìn)了中國人民的偉大覺(jué)醒，中國先進(jìn)分子對民主有了更加深刻的思考和新的認知。

1921年，中國共產(chǎn)黨成立，點(diǎn)亮了中國的民主之光。新民主主義革命時(shí)期，黨領(lǐng)導人民為爭取民主、反抗壓迫和剝削進(jìn)行了艱苦卓絕斗爭，取得新民主主義革命勝利，成立新中國，實(shí)現了中國從幾千年封建專(zhuān)制政治向人民民主的偉大飛躍，中國人民從此站起來(lái)了，中國民主發(fā)展進(jìn)入新紀元，人民當家作主從夢(mèng)想變?yōu)楝F實(shí)。社會(huì )主義革命和建設時(shí)期，黨領(lǐng)導人民建立和鞏固國家政權，對生產(chǎn)資料進(jìn)行社會(huì )主義改造，制定頒布新中國第一部憲法，確立人民代表大會(huì )制度、中國共產(chǎn)黨領(lǐng)導的多黨合作和政治協(xié)商制度、民族區域自治制度，人民當家作主的政治架構、經(jīng)濟基礎、法律原則、制度框架基本確立并不斷發(fā)展，中國的民主大廈巍然聳立起來(lái)。改革開(kāi)放和社會(huì )主義現代化建設新時(shí)期，黨領(lǐng)導人民堅定不移推進(jìn)社會(huì )主義民主法治建設，堅持中國特色社會(huì )主義政治發(fā)展道路，堅持黨的領(lǐng)導、人民當家作主、依法治國有機統一，積極穩妥推進(jìn)政治體制改革，鞏固和發(fā)展人民代表大會(huì )制度，進(jìn)一步完善中國共產(chǎn)黨領(lǐng)導的多黨合作和政治協(xié)商制度、民族區域自治制度、基層群眾自治制度等基本政治制度，民主發(fā)展的政治制度保障和社會(huì )物質(zhì)基礎更加堅實(shí)。

黨的十八大以來(lái)，中國特色社會(huì )主義進(jìn)入新時(shí)代。以習近平同志為核心的黨中央，立足新的歷史方位，深刻把握中國社會(huì )主要矛盾發(fā)生的新變化，積極回應人民對民主的新要求新期盼，深刻吸取古今中外治亂興衰的經(jīng)驗教訓，全面總結中國民主發(fā)展取得的顯著(zhù)成就，團結帶領(lǐng)人民發(fā)展全過(guò)程人民民主，中國的民主發(fā)展進(jìn)入歷史新時(shí)期。堅持和加強黨的全面領(lǐng)導，深化黨和國家機構改革，黨對發(fā)展全過(guò)程人民民主的領(lǐng)導進(jìn)一步加強。推進(jìn)國家治理體系和治理能力現代化，確立和堅持中國特色社會(huì )主義根本制度、基本制度、重要制度，人民當家作主制度體系更加健全。全面推進(jìn)民主選舉、民主協(xié)商、民主決策、民主管理、民主監督，協(xié)同推進(jìn)選舉民主與協(xié)商民主，人民依法有序政治參與不斷擴大，人民的民主生活豐富多彩。全過(guò)程人民民主，使人民當家作主更好體現在國家政治生活和社會(huì )生活之中，中國特色社會(huì )主義政治制度優(yōu)越性得到更好發(fā)揮，生動(dòng)活潑、安定團結的政治局面得到鞏固發(fā)展，激發(fā)和凝聚了中國人民奮斗新時(shí)代的磅礴力量。黨團結帶領(lǐng)人民，取得抗擊新冠肺炎疫情重大戰略成果，歷史性地解決絕對貧困問(wèn)題，全面建成小康社會(huì )，化解一系列重大風(fēng)險，開(kāi)啟全面建設社會(huì )主義現代化國家新征程，向著(zhù)全體人民共同富裕邁進(jìn)，全過(guò)程人民民主在中華大地展示出勃勃生機和強大生命力，中國人民的民主自信更加堅定，中國的民主之路越走越寬廣。

全過(guò)程人民民主，是中國共產(chǎn)黨團結帶領(lǐng)人民追求民主、發(fā)展民主、實(shí)現民主的偉大創(chuàng )造，是黨不斷推進(jìn)中國民主理論創(chuàng )新、制度創(chuàng )新、實(shí)踐創(chuàng )新的經(jīng)驗結晶。中國共產(chǎn)黨的奮斗史，是團結帶領(lǐng)人民探索、形成、發(fā)展全過(guò)程人民民主的奮斗史。全過(guò)程人民民主，是近代以來(lái)黨團結帶領(lǐng)人民長(cháng)期奮斗歷史邏輯、理論邏輯、實(shí)踐邏輯的必然結果，是堅持黨的本質(zhì)屬性、踐行黨的根本宗旨的必然要求。全過(guò)程人民民主，充分彰顯社會(huì )主義國家性質(zhì)，充分彰顯人民主體地位，使人民意志得到更好體現、人民權益得到更好保障、人民創(chuàng )造活力進(jìn)一步激發(fā)。全過(guò)程人民民主，形成和發(fā)展于黨領(lǐng)導人民爭取民族獨立、人民解放和實(shí)現國家富強、人民幸福的不懈奮斗，扎根在廣袤的中華大地，吸吮著(zhù)中華民族漫長(cháng)奮斗積累的文化養分，學(xué)習借鑒人類(lèi)文明優(yōu)秀成果，符合中國國情，得到人民衷心擁護，具有深厚現實(shí)基礎和廣闊發(fā)展前景。全過(guò)程人民民主，具有完整的制度程序和完整的參與實(shí)踐，使選舉民主和協(xié)商民主這兩種重要民主形式更好結合起來(lái)，構建起覆蓋960多萬(wàn)平方公里土地、14億多人民、56個(gè)民族的民主體系，實(shí)現了最廣大人民的廣泛持續參與。全過(guò)程人民民主，既有鮮明的中國特色，也體現全人類(lèi)共同價(jià)值，為豐富和發(fā)展人類(lèi)政治文明貢獻了中國智慧、中國方案。

中國共產(chǎn)黨的領(lǐng)導，是中國發(fā)展全過(guò)程人民民主的根本保證。在中國這樣一個(gè)大國，真正把14億多人民的意愿表達好、實(shí)現好并不容易，必須有堅強有力的統一領(lǐng)導。中國共產(chǎn)黨始終堅持以人民為中心、堅持人民主體地位，真正為人民執政、靠人民執政；充分發(fā)揮總攬全局、協(xié)調各方的領(lǐng)導核心作用，保證黨領(lǐng)導人民有效治理國家，保證人民民主的理念、方針、政策貫徹到國家政治生活和社會(huì )生活的方方面面；堅持一切為了群眾，一切依靠群眾，從群眾中來(lái)，到群眾中去的群眾路線(xiàn)，密切同人民群眾的聯(lián)系，凝聚起最廣大人民的智慧和力量；堅持黨內民主，實(shí)行民主選舉、民主決策、民主管理、民主監督，帶動(dòng)和促進(jìn)人民民主的發(fā)展；健全選人用人制度機制，使各方面優(yōu)秀人才進(jìn)入黨的領(lǐng)導體系和國家治理體系，確保黨和國家的領(lǐng)導權掌握在忠于馬克思主義、忠于黨、忠于人民的人手中；堅持依法執政、依法治國，領(lǐng)導立法、保證執法、支持司法、帶頭守法，通過(guò)法治保障黨的政策有效實(shí)施、保障人民當家作主。

I. Whole-Process People's Democracy Under CPC Leadership

China is a diligent and wise nation with a long history. It has created a brilliant political civilization. All of five thousand years ago, ancient Chinese began to explore the concept that people are the foundation of a state. Their ideas contained the seeds of what we know today as democracy. However, over the centuries of feudal autocracy, the people were always the oppressed and exploited underclass.

After the 1840s, China gradually descended into a semi-feudal and semi-colonial society. There was no popular democracy at all and the country was on the verge of collapse. The people stood up and fought to salvage their country. Revolution and reform were attempted, and many plans for saving the country were introduced, none of which succeeded.

Following the Revolution of 1911, the Chinese people made numerous attempts to introduce the Western political systems, including the parliamentary system, multiparty system, and presidential system, all of which ended in failure.

The rise of the New Culture Movement championing democracy and science, the victory of the October Revolution in Russia, the May 4th Movement, and the spread of Marxism in China, began to awaken the Chinese people, and progressive individuals gained a deeper understanding of democracy and came up with new ideas.

The founding of the CPC in 1921 was like a beacon, illuminating the way towards democracy in China.

During the New Democratic Revolution (1919-1949), the Party led the people in their tenacious fight for democracy, resisting oppression and exploitation in the course of their struggle. Ultimately, victory was secured in the revolution.

On October 1, 1949, the People's Republic of China (PRC) was founded. This marked the ultimate transformation of the country from the rule of feudal autocracy, which had been in existence for several thousand years, to a people's democracy. It proclaimed that the Chinese people had stood upright. It ushered in a new era for democracy in China. It turned a dream into reality – the people running their own country.

During socialist revolution and reconstruction (1949-1978), the CPC united and led the people in:

?building and consolidating state power;

?completing the socialist transformation of the means of production;

?promulgating the first Constitution of the PRC;

?establishing the system of people's congresses, the system of CPC-led multiparty cooperation and political consultation, and the system of regional ethnic autonomy.

The political structure, economic foundation, legal principles, and institutional framework for the people to run their country were all put in place and have since developed steadily. China's tower of democracy was built on strong foundations and stands tall.

In the years of reform, opening up and socialist modernization after 1978, the Party led the people in advancing socialist democracy and the rule of law, sticking to the path of socialist political progress with Chinese characteristics.

It ensured the Party's leadership, the people's status as masters of the country, and law-based governance, and advanced reform of the political structure in an active and steady manner. The system of people's congresses was consolidated and developed. The system of CPC-led multiparty cooperation and political consultation, the system of regional ethnic autonomy, the system of community-level self-governance, and other basic political systems were improved.

The political and institutional guarantees and material conditions for developing democracy were reinforced.

Since the Party's 18th National Congress in 2012, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era. The CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at the core has built a keen understanding of how the principal challenge facing Chinese society has changed. It has worked hard to respond to the people's new requirements and expectations for democracy. After drawing on past experience in maintaining order and stability across the world, and reviewing China's progress in democracy, the CPC decided to develop whole-process people's democracy, beginning a new stage of democracy. Some of the most important achievements are:

?strengthening the CPC's overall leadership, reforming Party and government institutions, and reinforcing the Party's leadership over the development of whole-process people's democracy;

?modernizing China's governance system and capacity;

?establishing and upholding the fundamental, basic, and important systems of Chinese socialism, with a more complete institutional framework to ensure the people's status as masters of the country;

?advancing democratic elections, consultations, decision-making, management, and oversight, progressing electoral democracy and consultative democracy side by side, and expanding the people's orderly political participation and the scope of democracy;

?consolidating the people's principal position in the country's political and social life;

?leveraging the institutional strengths of Chinese socialism;

?promoting political stability, unity and vitality;

?building a nationwide force towards the country's goals in the new era;

?achieving a strategic success in the fight against the Covid-19 epidemic;

?ending absolute poverty, and completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

China has addressed major risks and set out on a new journey towards a modern socialist country and common prosperity, demonstrating the viability and strength of whole-process people's democracy. The Chinese people have greater confidence in China's democracy, and can now look forward to a bright future.

Whole-process people's democracy is a creation of the CPC in leading the people to pursue, develop and realize democracy, embodying the Party's innovation in advancing China's democratic theories, systems and practices. The Party's history of struggle is a course of rallying the people and leading them to explore, establish and develop whole-process people's democracy. It is a logical outcome of history, theory and practice based on the strenuous efforts of the people under the leadership of the Party. It is a requisite for maintaining the very nature of the Party and fulfilling its fundamental purpose.

Whole-process people's democracy, giving full expression to the socialist nature of the state and the people's principal position, serves to better represent the people's will, protect their rights and fully unleash their potential to create. Whole-process people's democracy has formed and developed in a nationwide effort, led by the CPC, to strive for national independence, the country's prosperity, and the people's liberation and wellbeing. It is rooted in this vast land, nourished by the culture and traditions of the Chinese civilization, and draws on the achievements of human civilization. Suited to the conditions in China and embraced by the people, it has solid foundations and a bright future.

Whole-process people's democracy is a complete system with supporting mechanisms and procedures, and has been fully tested through wide participation. It integrates two major democratic models – electoral democracy and consultative democracy. It operates a democratic system covering a population of more than 1.4 billion from 56 ethnic groups of a vast country, making possible the wide and sustained participation of all its people. Whole-process people's democracy has distinctive Chinese characteristics; it also exemplifies common values and contributes China's ideas and solutions to the political progress of humanity.

CPC leadership is the fundamental guarantee for whole-process people's democracy. It is no easy job for a country as big as China to fully represent and address the concerns of its 1.4 billion people. It must have a robust and centralized leadership.

Committed to people-centered development and ensuring their principal status to run the country, the CPC governs for the people and by relying on the people. The CPC plays to the full its role as overall leader and coordinator in all areas of endeavor in every part of the country, to ensure that the people run the country effectively and that the people's democracy is an overarching philosophy, principle and policy in the country's political and social life.

The CPC follows the mass line – it is committed to doing everything for the people and relying on them, and follows the principle of "from the people, to the people". It maintains close ties with the people and pools their wisdom and strength.

The CPC upholds democracy within the Party and practices democratic elections, decision-making, management and oversight, to better serve the development of people's democracy. The CPC has improved its mechanism for selecting and appointing officials, enabling outstanding individuals in all sectors to enter the Party leadership teams and the government, and ensuring that the leadership of the Party and the state rests in the hands of those loyal to Marxism, the Party, and the people.

The CPC upholds law-based governance of the country. It exercises leadership over legislation, guarantees law enforcement, supports judicial justice, and plays an exemplary role in abiding by the law. Through advancing the rule of law, the Party ensures that its policies are effectively implemented and that the people run the country as its masters.

二、具有科學(xué)有效的制度安排

在中國，國家各項制度都是圍繞人民當家作主構建的，國家治理體系都是圍繞實(shí)現人民當家作主運轉的，全過(guò)程人民民主具有完整的制度程序。這些制度程序，形成了全面、廣泛、有機銜接的人民當家作主制度體系，構建了多樣、暢通、有序的民主渠道，有效保證了黨的主張、國家意志、人民意愿相統一，有效保證了人民當家作主。

（一）實(shí)行人民民主專(zhuān)政的國體

中國是工人階級領(lǐng)導的、以工農聯(lián)盟為基礎的人民民主專(zhuān)政的社會(huì )主義國家。人民民主專(zhuān)政，體現中國的國家根本性質(zhì)。

中國堅持民主與專(zhuān)政有機統一，保證了人民當家作主。一方面，始終堅持人民民主專(zhuān)政中的“民主”，堅持國家的一切權力屬于人民，保證人民依照憲法和法律規定，通過(guò)各種途徑和形式，管理國家事務(wù)，管理經(jīng)濟和文化事業(yè)，管理社會(huì )事務(wù)；另一方面，始終堅持人民民主專(zhuān)政中的“專(zhuān)政”，充分履行國家政權的專(zhuān)政職能，依法打擊破壞社會(huì )主義制度、顛覆國家政權、危害國家安全和公共安全等各種犯罪行為，維護法律尊嚴和法律秩序，保護國家和人民利益。民主和專(zhuān)政不是矛盾的，都是為了保證人民當家作主。打擊極少數是為了保護大多數，實(shí)行專(zhuān)政是為了實(shí)現民主。

（二）實(shí)行人民代表大會(huì )制度的政體

人民代表大會(huì )制度，是適應人民民主專(zhuān)政國體的政權組織形式，是中國的根本政治制度，是中國人民當家作主的根本途徑和最高實(shí)現形式，是實(shí)現全過(guò)程人民民主的重要制度載體。人民代表大會(huì )制度，堅持國家一切權力屬于人民，最大限度保障人民當家作主，把黨的領(lǐng)導、人民當家作主、依法治國有機結合起來(lái)，有效保證國家治理跳出治亂興衰的歷史周期率。人民代表大會(huì )制度，正確處理事關(guān)國家前途命運的一系列重大政治關(guān)系，實(shí)現國家統一有效組織各項事業(yè)，維護國家統一和民族團結，有效保證國家政治生活既充滿(mǎn)活力又安定有序。

人民通過(guò)人民代表大會(huì )有效行使國家權力。人民代表大會(huì )代表人民統一行使國家權力，全國人民代表大會(huì )是最高國家權力機關(guān)，地方人民代表大會(huì )是地方國家權力機關(guān)。各級國家行政機關(guān)、監察機關(guān)、審判機關(guān)、檢察機關(guān)都由人民代表大會(huì )產(chǎn)生，對人大負責、受人大監督。人民代表大會(huì )有立法權、監督權、決定權、任免權。全國人民代表大會(huì )及其常務(wù)委員會(huì )行使國家立法權，全國人民代表大會(huì )行使修改憲法以及制定和修改刑事、民事、國家機構的和其他的基本法律的權力；全國人民代表大會(huì )對國家主席、副主席，國務(wù)院總理、副總理及其他組成人員，中央軍事委員會(huì )主席及其他組成人員，國家監察委員會(huì )主任，最高人民法院院長(cháng)，最高人民檢察院檢察長(cháng)行使人事任免權；全國人民代表大會(huì )對事關(guān)國家發(fā)展、人民利益的重大問(wèn)題，包括國民經(jīng)濟和社會(huì )發(fā)展計劃和計劃執行情況的報告、國家的預算和預算執行情況的報告行使審查和批準權等；全國人民代表大會(huì )及其常務(wù)委員會(huì )行使對憲法實(shí)施、“一府一委兩院”工作等的監督權。地方各級人民代表大會(huì )及其常務(wù)委員會(huì )依法行使相應職權。人民代表大會(huì )制度，實(shí)現了廣泛民主，使各級人民代表大會(huì )有高度的權力，保證了人民掌握和行使國家權力，國家和民族前途命運牢牢掌握在人民手中。

人大代表充分反映人民呼聲。人大代表來(lái)自人民，橫向上，來(lái)自各地區、各民族、各方面、各階層；縱向上，全國、省、市、縣、鄉五級都有人民代表大會(huì )，具有廣泛代表性。截至2020年底，全國共有人大代表262萬(wàn)名，其中縣鄉兩級人大代表占代表總數的94.5%。人大代表充分發(fā)揮植根人民的優(yōu)勢，依法認真履職盡責，通過(guò)各種形式和渠道聽(tīng)取和反映人民群眾的意見(jiàn)建議。一年一度的各級人民代表大會(huì )會(huì )議，鄉、縣、市、省、全國自下而上、逐級召開(kāi)，使得人民群眾意愿和呼聲能夠真實(shí)反映、向上傳遞。改革開(kāi)放以來(lái)，每年的全國人大會(huì )議上，近3000名全國人大代表共商國家發(fā)展大計、共議民生熱點(diǎn)問(wèn)題，黨和國家領(lǐng)導人當面傾聽(tīng)意見(jiàn)建議，讓人民的所思所盼融入國家發(fā)展頂層設計。各國家機關(guān)依法認真研究辦理人大代表提出的議案、建議，許多被吸納進(jìn)政策決策中。

人民代表大會(huì )制度，為中國共產(chǎn)黨領(lǐng)導人民有效治理國家提供了重要制度保障。黨通過(guò)人民代表大會(huì )制度，使黨的主張通過(guò)法定程序成為國家意志，使黨組織推薦的人選通過(guò)法定程序成為國家政權機關(guān)的領(lǐng)導人員，通過(guò)國家政權機關(guān)實(shí)施黨對國家和社會(huì )的領(lǐng)導，維護黨和國家權威、維護全黨全國團結統一。實(shí)踐充分證明，人民代表大會(huì )制度是符合中國國情和實(shí)際、體現社會(huì )主義國家性質(zhì)、保證人民當家作主、保障實(shí)現中華民族偉大復興的好制度，必須長(cháng)期堅持、全面貫徹、不斷發(fā)展。

（三）堅持和完善中國共產(chǎn)黨領(lǐng)導的多黨合作和政治協(xié)商制度

中國共產(chǎn)黨領(lǐng)導的多黨合作和政治協(xié)商制度是中國的一項基本政治制度。這一制度植根中國土壤、彰顯中國智慧，又積極借鑒和吸收人類(lèi)政治文明優(yōu)秀成果，是中國新型政黨制度。憲法規定，中國共產(chǎn)黨領(lǐng)導的多黨合作和政治協(xié)商制度將長(cháng)期存在和發(fā)展。

在中國，除了中國共產(chǎn)黨，還有八個(gè)民主黨派（注^①）。在人民民主的共同旗幟下，中國共產(chǎn)黨與各民主黨派長(cháng)期共存、互相監督、肝膽相照、榮辱與共，形成了中國共產(chǎn)黨領(lǐng)導的多黨合作和政治協(xié)商制度這一具有鮮明中國特色和顯著(zhù)優(yōu)勢的新型政黨制度。中國共產(chǎn)黨是執政黨，八個(gè)民主黨派是接受中國共產(chǎn)黨領(lǐng)導、同中國共產(chǎn)黨親密合作的參政黨，是中國共產(chǎn)黨的好參謀、好幫手、好同事。在中國，沒(méi)有反對黨，也沒(méi)有在野黨。中國既不是一黨專(zhuān)政，也不是多黨競爭、輪流執政，而是“共產(chǎn)黨領(lǐng)導、多黨派合作，共產(chǎn)黨執政、多黨派參政”。

中國共產(chǎn)黨和各民主黨派、無(wú)黨派人士以會(huì )議協(xié)商、約談協(xié)商、書(shū)面協(xié)商等形式，就國家和地方重大政策和重要事務(wù)進(jìn)行協(xié)商。中國共產(chǎn)黨自覺(jué)接受各民主黨派、無(wú)黨派人士的民主監督。中國共產(chǎn)黨和各民主黨派、無(wú)黨派人士在國家政權中合作共事，民主黨派成員和無(wú)黨派人士在各級人大代表、人大常委會(huì )組成人員及人大專(zhuān)門(mén)委員會(huì )成員中均占一定數量，一些民主黨派成員和無(wú)黨派人士擔任國家機關(guān)領(lǐng)導職務(wù)。各民主黨派、無(wú)黨派人士緊緊圍繞國家中心工作，積極參政議政、建言獻策，為國家發(fā)展發(fā)揮作用。

中國人民政治協(xié)商會(huì )議是實(shí)行中國共產(chǎn)黨領(lǐng)導的多黨合作和政治協(xié)商制度的重要機構。人民政協(xié)作為專(zhuān)門(mén)協(xié)商機構，在協(xié)商中促進(jìn)廣泛團結、推進(jìn)多黨合作、實(shí)踐人民民主，既秉承歷史傳統，又反映時(shí)代特征，充分體現了中國社會(huì )主義民主有事多商量、遇事多商量、做事多商量的特點(diǎn)和優(yōu)勢，是國家治理體系的重要組成部分和具有中國特色的制度安排。在人民政協(xié)制度平臺上，各黨派團體、各族各界人士發(fā)揮在界別群眾中的代表作用，通過(guò)全體會(huì )議、常委會(huì )會(huì )議、主席會(huì )議、專(zhuān)門(mén)委員會(huì )會(huì )議、專(zhuān)題協(xié)商會(huì )議、協(xié)商座談會(huì )議等，開(kāi)展提案、委員視察考察、專(zhuān)題調研、反映社情民意等經(jīng)常性工作，對國家大政方針、經(jīng)濟社會(huì )各領(lǐng)域重要問(wèn)題，在決策之前和決策實(shí)施之中進(jìn)行廣泛協(xié)商、平等協(xié)商、有序協(xié)商、真誠協(xié)商，提出意見(jiàn)建議。中國共產(chǎn)黨采納和集中他們的意見(jiàn)建議，各黨派團體、各族各界人士接受黨的主張并在各界別群眾中宣傳解釋黨的方針政策，增信釋疑，最廣泛地反映民意，最充分地集思廣益，最大限度地凝聚共識，鞏固團結奮斗的共同思想基礎。全國政協(xié)全體會(huì )議與全國人大會(huì )議每年同期召開(kāi)，政協(xié)委員不僅要討論政協(xié)的問(wèn)題，還要列席全國人大會(huì )議，參加對有關(guān)法律修改、“一府兩院”工作報告等的討論，這樣的制度安排真正實(shí)現了讓人人起來(lái)負責、人人監督政府工作，形成了具有中國特色的“兩會(huì )”式民主。

中國共產(chǎn)黨領(lǐng)導的多黨合作和政治協(xié)商制度，真實(shí)、廣泛、持久代表和實(shí)現最廣大人民根本利益、全國各族各界根本利益，有效避免了舊式政黨制度代表少數人、少數利益集團的弊端；把各個(gè)政黨和無(wú)黨派人士緊密團結起來(lái)、為著(zhù)共同目標而奮斗，有效避免了一黨缺乏監督或者多黨輪流坐莊、惡性競爭的弊端；通過(guò)制度化、程序化、規范化的安排集中各種意見(jiàn)和建議、推動(dòng)決策科學(xué)化民主化，有效避免了舊式政黨制度囿于黨派利益、階級利益、區域和集團利益決策施政導致社會(huì )撕裂的弊端。

（四）鞏固和發(fā)展最廣泛的愛(ài)國統一戰線(xiàn)

統一戰線(xiàn)是中國共產(chǎn)黨凝聚人心、匯集力量的重要法寶。在人民民主實(shí)踐中，中國共產(chǎn)黨始終把統一戰線(xiàn)擺在重要位置，堅持大團結大聯(lián)合，堅持一致性和多樣性相統一，統籌做好民主黨派和無(wú)黨派人士工作、黨外知識分子工作、民族工作、宗教工作、非公有制經(jīng)濟領(lǐng)域統戰工作、新的社會(huì )階層人士統戰工作、港澳臺統戰工作、海外統一戰線(xiàn)工作和僑務(wù)工作，團結一切可以團結的力量、調動(dòng)一切可以調動(dòng)的積極因素，廣泛凝聚共識，尋求最大公約數、畫(huà)出最大同心圓，不斷促進(jìn)政黨關(guān)系、民族關(guān)系、宗教關(guān)系、階層關(guān)系、海內外同胞關(guān)系和諧，最大限度凝聚起中華民族一切智慧和力量。

中國人民政治協(xié)商會(huì )議是中國人民愛(ài)國統一戰線(xiàn)的組織。全國政協(xié)設34個(gè)界別，由中國共產(chǎn)黨、各民主黨派、無(wú)黨派人士、人民團體、各少數民族和各界的代表，香港特別行政區同胞、澳門(mén)特別行政區同胞、臺灣同胞和歸國僑胞的代表以及特別邀請的人士組成。全國政協(xié)十三屆一次會(huì )議共有委員2100多人，其中非中共黨員占60.2%。這樣的組織構成，體現了大團結大聯(lián)合的重要特征，能夠在熱愛(ài)中華人民共和國、擁護中國共產(chǎn)黨的領(lǐng)導、共同致力于實(shí)現中華民族偉大復興的政治基礎上，求同存異、聚同化異，最大限度地調動(dòng)一切積極因素、團結一切可以團結的人，最大限度凝聚起共同團結奮斗的強大力量。

（五）堅持和完善民族區域自治制度

中國是統一的多民族國家，鑄牢中華民族共同體意識，始終保持國家完整統一，實(shí)現各民族共同團結奮斗、共同繁榮發(fā)展，是中國共產(chǎn)黨民族政策的方針宗旨。民族區域自治制度，是指在國家統一領(lǐng)導下，各少數民族聚居的地方實(shí)行區域自治，設立自治機關(guān)，行使自治權的制度。民族區域自治制度在憲法以及民族區域自治法中得到明確，是中國的一項基本政治制度。

中國實(shí)行民族區域自治，以領(lǐng)土完整、國家統一為前提和基礎，體現了統一與自治的結合、民族因素與區域因素的結合，完全符合中國國情和實(shí)際。中國的民族區域自治，是在國家統一領(lǐng)導下的自治，各民族自治地方都是中國不可分離的一部分，民族自治地方的自治機關(guān)都是中央政府領(lǐng)導下的一級地方政權，都必須服從中央統一領(lǐng)導。

實(shí)行民族區域自治，從制度和政策層面保障了少數民族公民享有平等自由權利以及經(jīng)濟、社會(huì )、文化權利。155個(gè)民族自治地方的人民代表大會(huì )常務(wù)委員會(huì )中，均有實(shí)行區域自治民族的公民擔任主任或者副主任；民族自治地方政府的主席、州長(cháng)、縣長(cháng)或旗長(cháng)，均由實(shí)行區域自治的民族的公民擔任。中國根據各少數民族的特點(diǎn)和需要，幫助各少數民族地區加速經(jīng)濟和文化發(fā)展。

民族區域自治制度，極大增強了各族人民當家作主的自豪感責任感，極大調動(dòng)了各族人民共創(chuàng )中華民族美好未來(lái)、共享中華民族偉大榮光的積極性主動(dòng)性創(chuàng )造性。在這一制度框架下，中華民族大團結的局面不斷鞏固，各族人民交往交流交融日益廣泛深入，平等團結互助和諧的社會(huì )主義民族關(guān)系不斷發(fā)展，56個(gè)民族像石榴籽一樣緊緊抱在一起，中華民族共同體意識日益牢固。

（六）堅持和完善基層群眾自治制度

中國人口多、地域廣，基層治理差異大。中國實(shí)行以村民自治制度、居民自治制度和職工代表大會(huì )制度為主要內容的基層群眾自治制度，人民群眾在基層黨組織的領(lǐng)導和支持下，依法直接行使民主權利，實(shí)現自我管理、自我服務(wù)、自我教育、自我監督，有效防止了人民形式上有權、實(shí)際上無(wú)權的現象。

村（居）民自治。村（居）民在基層黨組織的領(lǐng)導下，成立村（居）民委員會(huì )，依法直接行使民主權利，依法管理基層公共事務(wù)和公益事業(yè)。實(shí)行民主選舉，由村（居）民選舉村（居）民委員會(huì )組成人員；實(shí)行民主協(xié)商，由村（居）民采取多種形式開(kāi)展協(xié)商議事；實(shí)行民主決策，由村（居）民通過(guò)村（居）民會(huì )議或村（居）民代表會(huì )議對社區公共事務(wù)和公益事業(yè)等作出決定；實(shí)行民主管理，由村（居）民討論決定村（居）民自治章程、村規民約、居民公約等，并進(jìn)行自我管理；實(shí)行民主監督，由村（居）民推選產(chǎn)生村（居）務(wù)監督委員會(huì )，監督村（社區）事務(wù)和村（居）務(wù)公開(kāi)制度落實(shí)。截至2020年底，50.3萬(wàn)個(gè)行政村全部建立了村民委員會(huì )，11.2萬(wàn)個(gè)社區全部建立了居民委員會(huì )。

企事業(yè)單位職工依法行使民主權利。企事業(yè)單位建立以職工代表大會(huì )為基本形式的民主管理制度，職工在企事業(yè)單位重大決策和涉及職工切身利益等重大事項上發(fā)揮積極作用；企事業(yè)單位推行職工董事、職工監事制度，全面實(shí)行廠(chǎng)務(wù)公開(kāi)制度，探索領(lǐng)導接待日、勞資懇談會(huì )、領(lǐng)導信箱等形式，反映職工訴求，協(xié)調勞動(dòng)關(guān)系和保障職工合法權益，對單位生產(chǎn)和管理提出意見(jiàn)建議，為單位發(fā)展獻計獻策。企業(yè)工會(huì )委員會(huì )是職工代表大會(huì )的工作機構，現階段，中國共有280.9萬(wàn)個(gè)基層工會(huì )組織，覆蓋655.1萬(wàn)個(gè)企事業(yè)單位。

基層民主創(chuàng )新十分活躍。從城鄉社區里的村（居）民議事會(huì )、村（居）民論壇、民主懇談會(huì )、民主聽(tīng)證會(huì )到黨代表、人大代表、政協(xié)委員聯(lián)合進(jìn)社區，從“小院議事廳”到“板凳民主”，從線(xiàn)下“圓桌會(huì )”到線(xiàn)上“議事群”，中國人民在火熱的基層生活中，摸索創(chuàng )造了一個(gè)又一個(gè)充滿(mǎn)煙火氣的民主形式。人們通過(guò)這些接地氣、聚人氣的民主實(shí)踐，圍繞涉及自身利益的實(shí)際問(wèn)題，發(fā)表意見(jiàn)建議，進(jìn)行廣泛協(xié)商，利益得到協(xié)調，矛盾有效化解，促進(jìn)了基層穩定和諧?；鶎用裰髟S多好的經(jīng)驗做法成為國家政策，為中國民主發(fā)展不斷注入新的動(dòng)力。

基層群眾自治制度，增強了基層群眾的民主意識和民主能力，培養了基層群眾的民主習慣，充分彰顯了中國民主的廣泛性和真實(shí)性?；鶎尤罕娮灾?，使得社會(huì )細胞都活躍起來(lái)，使“微治理”富有活力、更有效率，為建設人人有責、人人盡責、人人享有的基層治理共同體提供了堅實(shí)制度保障。

II. A Sound Institutional Framework

In China, the people's status as masters of the country is the bedrock of all the systems of the country, and underlies the operation of all the systems for state governance. Whole-process people's democracy involves complete institutional procedures. These well-coordinated and comprehensive institutional procedures serve to put into place diverse, open, and well-organized democratic channels to ensure that the Party's policies and the state will are integrated with the people's aspirations, and that the people are masters of the country.

1.The Governing System of the People's Democratic Dictatorship

The Constitution describes China as a socialist country governed by a people's democratic dictatorship that is led by the working class and based on an alliance of workers and peasants. The fundamental nature of the state is defined by the people's democratic dictatorship.

China upholds the unity of democracy and dictatorship to ensure the people's status as masters of the country. On the one hand, all power of the state belongs to the people to ensure that they administer state affairs and manage economic and cultural undertakings and social affairs through various channels and in various ways in accordance with the Constitution and laws; on the other hand, China takes resolute action against any attempt to subvert the country's political power or endanger public or state security, to uphold the dignity and order of law and safeguard the interests of the people and the state. Democracy and dictatorship appear to be a contradiction in terms, but together they ensure the people's status as masters of the country. A tiny minority is sanctioned in the interests of the great majority, and "dictatorship" serves democracy.

2.The Governing Structure of the System of People's Congresses

The system of people's congresses, an organizational form of political power compatible with the governing system of the people's democratic dictatorship, is China's fundamental political system, and the ultimate approach and optimal solution to guaranteeing the people's status as masters of the country. It is also an important institutional support to whole-process people's democracy. Under this system, all power of the state belongs to the people to guarantee their status as masters of the country. At the same time, it integrates the Party's leadership, the people's principal position, and the rule of law, to help the country avoid the historical cycle of rise and fall of ruling orders apparent through the centuries of imperial dynasty. Under this system, all the major political relationships with a bearing on the nation's future are properly managed, and all social undertakings operate under the effective centralized organization of the state. This maintains national unity and ethnic solidarity, and ensures that vigor, stability and order prevail in the country's political life.

The people exercise state power effectively through people's congresses; people's congresses exercise state power collectively on behalf of the people. The National People's Congress (NPC) is the highest organ of state power. Local people's congresses at all levels are local agencies of state power. All administrative, supervisory, judicial, and procuratorial organs of the state are created by the people's congresses, to which they are responsible and by which they are supervised.

The people's congresses have four main functions and powers:

?Legislation. The NPC and its Standing Committee exercise the legislative power of the state. The NPC exercises the powers and functions to amend the Constitution and enact and amend basic laws governing criminal offenses, civil affairs, state agencies and other matters;

?Appointment and removal of officials. The NPC exercises the powers and functions to appoint or remove the president and vice president(s) of the PRC, the premier, vice premier(s) and other members of the State Council, the chairperson and other members of the Central Military Commission, the chairperson of the National Supervisory Commission, the president of the Supreme People's Court, and the procurator-general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate;

?Decision-making. The NPC exercises the powers and functions to examine and approve major issues significant to national development and the interests of the people, such as the plan for national economic and social development and the report on its implementation, and state budget and the report on its implementation;

?Supervision. The NPC and its Standing Committee exercise the right of overseeing the enforcement of the Constitution and the work of the State Council, the National Supervisory Commission, the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

Local people's congresses and their standing committees exercise corresponding powers and functions as prescribed by law. The system of people's congresses makes extensive democracy possible by empowering people's congresses at all levels, to ensure that the people hold and exercise state power, and that they keep the nation's future firmly in their hands.

The deputies to people's congresses are fully representative of the people. They come from all regions, ethnic groups, sectors and social groups, and function at national, provincial, city, county and township levels. At the end of 2020, 2.62 million people were serving as deputies to people's congresses at all levels nationwide. Among them, those at county and township levels accounted for 94.5 percent of the total. Making full use of their close connections with the people, these deputies diligently fulfill their duties by soliciting and submitting the people's suggestions and advice through various forms and channels.

The annual people's congresses are first held from the grassroots upwards at township, county, city, and provincial levels and then at the highest national level, to take full cognizance of the people's aspirations and report them to upper levels. Since the launch of reform and opening up in 1978, about 3,000 NPC deputies have gathered in the presence of the Party and state leaders at the NPC session each year to discuss plans for national development and problems affecting people's lives, and to put the people's expectations at the top of the agenda on state matters. Many of the motions and proposals put forward by deputies have been carefully reviewed and then included into policy decisions of state organs.

The system of people's congresses has provided institutional guarantee for the CPC to lead the people in effectively running the country. It enables the Party to turn its proposals into state policies, and to place the candidates recommended by Party organizations into positions as state leaders through statutory procedures. It also empowers the organs of state governance to exercise the Party's leadership over the country and society, to uphold the authority of the Party and the state, and to safeguard the unity and solidarity of the Party and the country. The system of people's congresses is the optimal choice, in accord with China's national conditions and realities. It embodies the socialist nature of the state and guarantees the people's principal position and national rejuvenation. It must be fully implemented, further enriched, and maintained as a long-term institution.

3. The System of Multiparty Cooperation and Political Consultation Under CPC Leadership

The system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC is a basic element of China's political framework. The Constitution stipulates, "The system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China will continue and develop long into the future." A new model grown out of the soil of China, it also learns from other countries and absorbs the fruits of their political achievements.

In China, there are no opposition parties. But China's political party system is not a system of one-party rule. Nor is it one in which multiple parties vie for power and govern in turn. It is a multiparty cooperation system in which the CPC exercises state power. In addition to the CPC, there are eight other political parties.¹ The other parties participate fully in the administration of state affairs under the leadership of the CPC.

Under the shared banner of people's democracy, and respecting the principles of long-term coexistence, mutual oversight, sincerity, and sharing the rough times and the smooth, the CPC and the other parties have created a new political party system with distinctive Chinese features and strengths.

The CPC is the governing party, and the other parties accept its leadership. They cooperate closely with the CPC and function as its advisors and assistants. Through forums, talks, and written and other forms of consultation, the CPC consults with the other parties and prominent individuals without affiliation to any political party (non-affiliates) on major national and local policies and matters. It willingly accepts the democratic scrutiny of the other parties and the non-affiliates. In the exercise of state power, the CPC works together with the other parties and the nonaffiliates. Members of the other parties and the non-affiliates account for a certain percentage of the total numbers of deputies to people's congresses, the standing committees of people's congresses, and the special committees of people's congresses at all levels. Some of them occupy leading posts in state organs. The other parties and the non-affiliates actively deliberate on and participate in the administration of state affairs. They are valued advisors on key national programs and contributors to the development of the country.

The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) serves as a key element of the multiparty mechanism. A specialized body for socialist consultative democracy, the CPPCC promotes unity, strengthens multiparty cooperation, and practices people's democracy in the process of political consultation. It maintains the traditions of the past, and keeps pace with the times. It reflects the distinctive features and strengths of China's socialist democracy – problems are solved through consultation. It is a key component of the state governance system, and a distinctively Chinese political institution.

Through the institutions of the CPPCC, representatives from all political parties, people's organizations, ethnic groups, and social sectors engage in political consultation. They carry out their routine duties through mechanisms such as plenary sessions, meetings of the standing committee, meetings of chairpersons, meetings of special committees, forums on specific subjects, and consultative seminars, and make proposals, conduct inspections and field surveys, and report on social conditions and public opinions on a regular basis. In this way, they conduct extensive, constructive consultations on an equal footing and in an orderly manner, and put forward opinions and suggestions on important national strategies and policies and major economic and social matters. The CPC collects these opinions and suggestions and adopts those which are sound, while the other participants accept the Party's propositions and promote its guidelines and policies. In doing so, they increase trust and dispel doubts, convey the will of the people and draw on their wisdom, and build the broadest consensus, so as to form a shared ideological foundation for collective endeavors.

When the annual sessions of the NPC and the CPPCC National Committee (Two Sessions) are held concurrently each year, members of the CPPCC National Committee submit proposals for deliberation. They also sit in on NPC sessions to participate in the discussions on the amendments to laws and on the work reports of the central government, the Supreme People's Court, and the Supreme People's Procuratorate. This mechanism ensures that all the people can play a part in overseeing the work of the government, and forms China's own model of democracy based on the Two Sessions.

The system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC is an extensive and reliable means of representing and fulfilling the interests of the maximum number of people of all ethnic groups and social sectors. It avoids the drawbacks of the old political party system that stood for only a small number of people and interest groups. It unites all political parties and the non-affiliates towards a common goal, effectively mitigating the risks of inadequate oversight in one-party rule, and the problems of continual transfers of governing parties and destructive competition in multiparty political systems. Through standardized institutional procedures and arrangements, it pools ideas and suggestions to ensure informed and democratic decision-making. It avoids the weakness of Western-style political party systems: When making decisions and exercising governance, political parties act in their own interests or the interests of the classes, regions and groups they represent, provoking division in society.

4. Broad Patriotic United Front

The united front is an important structure through which the CPC earns popular support and pools strengths. In practicing people's democracy, the Party has always placed the united front in an important position, striving to achieve great unity and solidarity and balance commonality and diversity. The Party has made coordinated efforts to unite the other political parties, the non-affiliates, intellectuals who are not CPC members, members of ethnic minorities and religious groups, people working in non-public sectors, people belonging to new social groups, compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and overseas Chinese and returned Chinese nationals. It has combined all the forces that can be united and mobilized all positive factors to build a broad consensus, expand common ground, and achieve convergence of interests. In order to pool the wisdom and strength of the Chinese nation to the full, it has systematically promoted harmonious relations between political parties, between ethnic groups, between religions, between social groups and between Chinese people at home and overseas.

The CPPCC is an organization of the Chinese people's patriotic united front. It is composed of representatives from 34 sectors, including the CPC, the other political parties, the non-affiliates, people's organizations, ethnic minority groups and other sectors, compatriots from the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions and Taiwan, returned Chinese nationals, and specially invited public figures. The First Session of the 13th National Committee of the CPPCC was attended by over 2,100 members, 60.2 percent of whom are non-CPC members. This demonstrates its important function as a center of unity and solidarity. It allows us to mobilize all positive factors and forces that cherish patriotism and support the CPC's leadership, and build a strong alliance for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation by seeking common ground while setting aside differences.

5. The System of Regional Ethnic Autonomy

China is a unified multiethnic state. The CPC's ethnic policies are built upon the goals of forging a keen sense of national identity, maintaining territorial integrity and national unification, and achieving common development and prosperity through the joint efforts of all ethnic groups. The system of regional ethnic autonomy means that areas with large ethnic minority populations can practice regional autonomy, establish autonomous organs, and exercise the power of self-government under the unified leadership of the state. This basic political system is specified in the country's Constitution and itsLaw on Regional Ethnic Autonomy.

China's regional ethnic autonomy is autonomy under the unified leadership of the state. Territorial integrity and national unification are preconditions and foundations for regional ethnic autonomy, which combines unification with autonomy and ethnic factors with regional factors, and are thoroughly suited to China's realities. All ethnic autonomous areas are inseparable parts of the country, and all autonomous organs of these areas are local governments subject to the unified leadership of the central government.

Regional ethnic autonomy provides institutional and policy guarantees to ensure that ethnic minority citizens enjoy rights to equality and freedom, and to economic, social and cultural services. On all standing committees of people's congresses of the 155 ethnic autonomous areas, there are citizens from the local ethnic groups assuming the office of chair or vice chair; all governors, prefectural commissioners, and heads of counties of ethnic autonomous areas are citizens from the ethnic groups. The central government assists all ethnic minority areas in accelerating their economic and cultural development based on the characteristics and needs of the ethnic minorities there.

The system of regional ethnic autonomy has greatly increased the sense of pride and responsibility of people of all ethnic groups and stimulated their enthusiasm, initiative and creativity in jointly steering the course to a bright future. Under this institutional framework, communication and exchanges between ethnic groups, and socialist ethnic relations characterized by equality, unity, mutual assistance and harmony, have expanded. Ethnic unity has been reinforced, and a strong sense of national identity has been forged.

6. The System of Community-Level Self-Governance

Due to China's huge population and vast territory, there is great diversity in community-level governance. China applies a system of community-level self-governance represented by villagers autonomy, urban residents autonomy, and employees congresses. Under the leadership and support of community-level Party organizations, local residents directly exercise the democratic right to manage their own affairs by serving the community, undertaking self-education, and exercising public scrutiny. This effectively ensures that the people's rights are genuinely respected.

Villagers and urban residents exercise self-governance. Under the leadership of community-level Party organizations, residents in China's rural villages and urban communities establish villagers committees and residents committees, and directly exercise their democratic right to handle public affairs and public services in residential areas to which they belong:

?They hold democratic elections in which they elect villagers and residents committees.

?They conduct democratic consultation on local affairs in various forms.

?They practice democratic decision-making in handling community public affairs and public services through committee meetings and congresses.

?They carry out democratic management – they discuss and decide on their own rules on self-governance and codes of conduct and self-regulation, and run their affairs accordingly.

?They exercise democratic oversight – they elect village and urban community affairs oversight committees to supervise the handling of their community affairs and guarantee information disclosure.

As of the end of 2020, all the 503,000 administrative villages in China had established villagers committees, and all the 112,000 urban communities in the country had established residents committees.

Employees in enterprises and public institutions exercise democratic rights. Enterprises and public institutions practice a system of democratic management whose basic form is employees congresses, so that workers and staff can play an active role in decision-making on important matters concerning their immediate interests. They are implementing a system of employees serving as board directors and board supervisors. They have all employed a system featuring open access to enterprise affairs and are experimenting with practices that include open days to communicate with leaders, employee-employer consultations, and letters and messages to senior executives. These efforts are designed to mediate labor relations, listen to workers' voices, protect their lawful rights and interests, and collect complaints and suggestions on the operations, management and development of these entities. Corporate trade union committees are the operating mechanism of employees congresses. At present, there are 2.81 million primary-level trade unions in China, covering 6.55 million enterprises and public institutions.

Democratic innovations demonstrate great vitality. The Chinese people have explored and initiated numerous popular and pragmatic grassroots practices – residents councils, residents workshops, democratic discussions and hearings, courtyard discussions, neighborhood meetings, offline roundtables and online group chats. They have arranged for representatives of Party committees, deputies to the people's congresses, and CPPCC members to visit rural and urban communities. All these down-to-earth and pragmatic forms of democracy encourage people to voice their opinions and suggestions and conduct extensive consultation on matters related to their vital interests. This helps to coordinate the interests of multiple stakeholders, mitigate conflict, and maintain social stability and harmony at the grassroots level. Many successful grassroots experiences and practices have eventually turned into national policies, injecting new vitality into the development of China's democracy.

The system of community-level self-governance has strengthened the public's ability to understand and practice democracy, demonstrating that China's democracy is extensive and genuine. Community-level self-governance energizes all the "cells" of society. It makes grassroots governance more vibrant and efficient, and provides a solid institutional guarantee for a grassroots governance system in which responsibilities are shared and duly fulfilled, and achievements are enjoyed by all.

三、具有具體現實(shí)的民主實(shí)踐

中國發(fā)展全過(guò)程人民民主，既有完整的制度程序，也有完整的參與實(shí)踐。全過(guò)程人民民主，把選舉民主與協(xié)商民主結合起來(lái)，把民主選舉、民主協(xié)商、民主決策、民主管理、民主監督貫通起來(lái)，涵蓋經(jīng)濟、政治、文化、社會(huì )、生態(tài)文明等各個(gè)方面，關(guān)注國家發(fā)展大事、社會(huì )治理難事、百姓日?，嵤?，具有時(shí)間上的連續性、內容上的整體性、運行上的協(xié)同性、人民參與上的廣泛性和持續性，使國家政治生活和社會(huì )生活各環(huán)節、各方面都體現人民意愿、聽(tīng)到人民聲音，有效防止了選舉時(shí)漫天許諾、選舉后無(wú)人過(guò)問(wèn)的現象。

（一）民主選舉

人民通過(guò)選舉、投票行使權利，選出代表自己意愿的人來(lái)掌握并行使權力，是中國民主的一種重要形式，是人民實(shí)現當家作主的重要體現。

中國的選舉是廣泛的，有國家機構選舉、村（居）委會(huì )選舉、企事業(yè)單位職工代表大會(huì )選舉等，涵蓋了國家政治生活和社會(huì )生活的各個(gè)方面；中國的選舉是平等的，人民的選舉權和被選舉權得到充分保障，一人一票、票票等值；中國的選舉是真實(shí)的，不受金錢(qián)操控，選民按照自己的意愿選出自己信任的人；中國的選舉是發(fā)展的，選舉形式手段隨著(zhù)經(jīng)濟社會(huì )的發(fā)展不斷創(chuàng )新和豐富。

國家機構選舉。國家機構選舉是指，選舉產(chǎn)生全國人民代表大會(huì )和地方各級人民代表大會(huì )，由各級人大選舉產(chǎn)生同級國家機關(guān)領(lǐng)導人員。在中國，年滿(mǎn)18周歲、具有中華人民共和國國籍、未被依法剝奪政治權利的公民，都有選舉權和被選舉權。從全國人大到鄉級人大，五級人民代表大會(huì )代表均由民主選舉產(chǎn)生，每屆任期5年。按照普遍、平等、直接選舉和間接選舉相結合以及差額選舉、無(wú)記名投票的原則，選民直接選舉產(chǎn)生縣鄉兩級人大代表，縣級以上人大代表由下一級人大選舉產(chǎn)生。各級國家機關(guān)領(lǐng)導人員均由同級人大選舉產(chǎn)生或者決定任命。

基層選舉?；鶎舆x舉是中國最廣泛、最生動(dòng)的民主實(shí)踐，包括村（居）民委員會(huì )選舉和企事業(yè)單位職工代表大會(huì )選舉。村（居）民委員會(huì )由主任、副主任和委員組成，村（居）民委員會(huì )選舉與縣鄉人大選舉同步進(jìn)行。村（居）民依法定期選舉產(chǎn)生村（居）民委員會(huì )成員。在企事業(yè)單位中，職工代表大會(huì )是職工當家作主、行使民主管理權力的機構，職工代表由全體職工通過(guò)民主選舉產(chǎn)生。

中國的民主選舉是符合中國國情的，是與中國的發(fā)展階段相適應的，是隨著(zhù)經(jīng)濟社會(huì )發(fā)展與時(shí)俱進(jìn)的。幾十年來(lái)，中國適時(shí)修改選舉法，選舉全國人大代表時(shí)，農村和城市每位代表所代表的人口比例從新中國成立初期的8∶1，到1995年的4∶1，再到2010年的1∶1，逐步實(shí)現了城鄉人口的平等選舉。人們的民主意識不斷增強，參選率不斷提高。改革開(kāi)放以來(lái)，中國先后進(jìn)行12次鄉級人大代表直接選舉、11次縣級人大代表直接選舉，選民參選率均保持在90%左右。

（二）民主協(xié)商

有事好商量，眾人的事情由眾人商量，找到全社會(huì )意愿和要求的最大公約數，是人民民主的真諦。人民在通過(guò)選舉、投票行使權利的同時(shí)，在重大決策前和決策過(guò)程中進(jìn)行充分協(xié)商，盡可能就共同性問(wèn)題取得一致意見(jiàn)。協(xié)商民主是中國民主獨特的、獨有的、獨到的民主形式。

具有深厚基礎。協(xié)商民主源自中華民族長(cháng)期形成的天下為公、兼容并蓄、求同存異等優(yōu)秀政治文化，源自近代以后中國政治發(fā)展的現實(shí)進(jìn)程，源自中國共產(chǎn)黨領(lǐng)導人民進(jìn)行不懈奮斗的長(cháng)期實(shí)踐，源自新中國成立后各黨派、各團體、各民族、各階層、各界人士在政治制度上共同實(shí)現的偉大創(chuàng )造，源自改革開(kāi)放以來(lái)中國在政治體制上的不斷創(chuàng )新，具有深厚的文化基礎、理論基礎、實(shí)踐基礎、制度基礎。

形式廣泛多樣。在各領(lǐng)域各層級，人民群眾就改革發(fā)展穩定的重大問(wèn)題以及事關(guān)自身利益的問(wèn)題，通過(guò)提案、會(huì )議、座談、論證、聽(tīng)證、評估、咨詢(xún)、網(wǎng)絡(luò )、民意調查等多種途徑和方式，在決策之前和決策實(shí)施之中開(kāi)展廣泛協(xié)商。涉及全國各族人民利益的事情，在全體人民和全社會(huì )中廣泛商量；涉及一個(gè)地方人民群眾利益的事情，在這個(gè)地方的人民群眾中廣泛商量；涉及一部分群眾利益、特定群眾利益的事情，在這部分群眾中廣泛商量；涉及基層群眾利益的事情，在基層群眾中廣泛商量。

體系不斷健全。中國不斷完善協(xié)商民主的發(fā)展路徑，探索形成了政黨協(xié)商、人大協(xié)商、政府協(xié)商、政協(xié)協(xié)商、人民團體協(xié)商、基層協(xié)商、社會(huì )組織協(xié)商等協(xié)商渠道，推動(dòng)協(xié)商民主廣泛多層制度化發(fā)展。政黨協(xié)商，是中國共產(chǎn)黨就中共全國代表大會(huì )和中共中央委員會(huì )的有關(guān)重要文件、憲法修改、有關(guān)重要法律的制定和修改、國家領(lǐng)導人建議人選、國民經(jīng)濟和社會(huì )發(fā)展的中長(cháng)期規劃以及年度經(jīng)濟社會(huì )發(fā)展情況、關(guān)系改革發(fā)展穩定等重要問(wèn)題、統一戰線(xiàn)和多黨合作的重大問(wèn)題等，同民主黨派開(kāi)展協(xié)商；人大協(xié)商，是各級人大在依法行使職權中與有關(guān)國家機關(guān)、社會(huì )組織、專(zhuān)家學(xué)者、人民群眾開(kāi)展協(xié)商；政府協(xié)商，是各級政府在履職盡責中與人大代表、政協(xié)委員以及民主黨派、無(wú)黨派人士、相關(guān)人民團體、社會(huì )組織以及群眾代表等加強溝通協(xié)商；政協(xié)協(xié)商，是在中國共產(chǎn)黨領(lǐng)導下，參加人民政協(xié)的各黨派團體、各族各界人士履行職能，圍繞改革發(fā)展穩定重大問(wèn)題等，在決策之前和決策實(shí)施之中廣泛協(xié)商、凝聚共識；人民團體協(xié)商，是人民團體就涉及群眾切身利益的實(shí)際問(wèn)題，特別是事關(guān)特定群體權益保障的，加強與政府相關(guān)部門(mén)的協(xié)商，積極參與政協(xié)組織的協(xié)商活動(dòng)；基層協(xié)商，是基層黨組織、基層政府、基層群眾性自治組織、經(jīng)濟社會(huì )組織和群眾等，就基層社會(huì )發(fā)展及事關(guān)群眾切身利益的問(wèn)題開(kāi)展協(xié)商；社會(huì )組織協(xié)商，是各類(lèi)社會(huì )組織就更好為社會(huì )服務(wù)，積極開(kāi)展和參與協(xié)商。這七種協(xié)商渠道，極大豐富了民主形式、拓寬了民主渠道、加深了民主內涵。

中國的協(xié)商民主，廣開(kāi)言路，集思廣益，促進(jìn)不同思想觀(guān)點(diǎn)的充分表達和深入交流，做到相互尊重、平等協(xié)商而不強加于人，遵循規則、有序協(xié)商而不各說(shuō)各話(huà)，體諒包容、真誠協(xié)商而不偏激偏執，形成既暢所欲言、各抒己見(jiàn)，又理性有度、合法依章的良好協(xié)商氛圍，充分發(fā)揚了民主精神，廣泛凝聚了全社會(huì )共識，促進(jìn)了社會(huì )和諧穩定。

（三）民主決策

民主決策是全過(guò)程人民民主的重要一環(huán)。好的決策，反映人民意愿，保障人民權益，增進(jìn)人民福祉。在中國，察民情、聽(tīng)民聲、順民意，群策群力、集思廣益成為常態(tài)，越來(lái)越多來(lái)自基層的聲音直達各級決策層，越來(lái)越多的群眾意見(jiàn)轉化為黨和政府的重大決策。

人大“開(kāi)門(mén)立法”。各級人民代表大會(huì )及其常務(wù)委員會(huì )，堅持為民立法、民主立法，保障人民通過(guò)各種途徑參與立法活動(dòng)，努力讓每一項立法反映人民意愿、得到人民擁護。法律立項，通過(guò)召開(kāi)座談會(huì )、聽(tīng)證會(huì )、論證會(huì )等方式，廣泛聽(tīng)取意見(jiàn)，讓人民的意志在立法的最初階段就得到體現；法律草案起草，廣泛聽(tīng)取公眾意見(jiàn)和專(zhuān)業(yè)人士建議，探索委托第三方起草法律法規草案，讓人民的訴求得到充分體現；法律草案公布，通過(guò)網(wǎng)絡(luò )和新聞媒體，向社會(huì )各界廣泛征求意見(jiàn)?；鶎尤罕娡ㄟ^(guò)基層立法聯(lián)系點(diǎn)，直接參與法律草案的起草、立法調研、修改論證、立法后評估等多個(gè)環(huán)節。

政府“開(kāi)門(mén)問(wèn)策”。各級人民政府就即將實(shí)施的重大決策和各方提出的重大決策建議，充分聽(tīng)取各方面意見(jiàn)，保障人民群眾通過(guò)多種途徑和形式參與決策。在決策啟動(dòng)環(huán)節，人大代表、政協(xié)委員通過(guò)建議、提案等方式提出建議，公民、法人和其他組織提出書(shū)面建議，決策機關(guān)啟動(dòng)決策程序；在決策研究制定環(huán)節，通過(guò)座談會(huì )、公開(kāi)征求意見(jiàn)、聽(tīng)證會(huì )、問(wèn)卷調查、實(shí)地走訪(fǎng)等方式，廣泛聽(tīng)取社會(huì )各界特別是直接關(guān)系人的意見(jiàn)和建議；在決策草案公示環(huán)節，通過(guò)政府網(wǎng)站和各類(lèi)媒體，公布決策草案及其說(shuō)明材料；在決策最終確定環(huán)節，按照民主集中制原則，在集體討論的基礎上作出決定；在決策后評估階段，聽(tīng)取社會(huì )公眾意見(jiàn)，吸收人大代表、政協(xié)委員、人民團體、基層組織、社會(huì )組織和專(zhuān)家等參與評估。

廣大群眾參與基層決策?；鶎尤罕娡ㄟ^(guò)村（居）民會(huì )議、村（居）民代表會(huì )議、村（居）民小組會(huì )議等形式，就經(jīng)濟社會(huì )發(fā)展、基礎設施建設、社會(huì )綜合治理、基層文化服務(wù)、生態(tài)環(huán)境保護、自治章程制定等基層治理中的重大問(wèn)題提出意見(jiàn)建議，參與決策制定和實(shí)施。

（四）民主管理

人民的事人民管，人民的事人民辦。在中國，廣大人民弘揚主人翁精神，發(fā)揮主體作用，積極行使民主權利，通過(guò)各種途徑和形式，管理國家事務(wù)，管理經(jīng)濟和文化事業(yè)，管理社會(huì )事務(wù)。

參與國家政治生活和社會(huì )生活的管理。人民行使憲法賦予的各項權利并承擔憲法賦予公民的責任和義務(wù)，積極主動(dòng)參加選舉、協(xié)商、決策、監督等，在各個(gè)層級、各個(gè)領(lǐng)域參與國家政治生活和社會(huì )生活的管理，知情權、參與權、表達權、監督權得到有力保障。

城鄉社區民主管理。根據憲法法律和有關(guān)規定，農村和城市社區居民結合本地實(shí)際，由村（居）民討論制定村（居）民自治章程、村規民約、居民公約等，明確規定村（居）民的權利和義務(wù)，村（社區）各類(lèi)組織之間的關(guān)系和工作程序，以及經(jīng)濟管理、社會(huì )治安、消防安全、環(huán)境衛生、婚姻家庭、鄰里關(guān)系、計劃生育、精神文明建設等方面的自治要求，普遍實(shí)現村（居）民在基層公共事務(wù)和公益事業(yè)中的自我管理、自我服務(wù)、自我教育、自我監督。

企事業(yè)單位民主管理。全國超過(guò)1.5億市場(chǎng)主體自主經(jīng)營(yíng)、自我管理、活力迸發(fā)，承載7億多人就業(yè)，推動(dòng)了中國經(jīng)濟總量、國家財力和社會(huì )財富穩定增長(cháng)。根據憲法法律和有關(guān)規定，企事業(yè)單位普遍建立以職工代表大會(huì )為基本形式，以廠(chǎng)務(wù)公開(kāi)制度、職工董事制度、職工監事制度為主要內容的民主管理制度。職工通過(guò)這些民主管理制度，參與企事業(yè)單位管理，維護單位職工合法權益，實(shí)現單位與職工協(xié)商共事、機制共建、效益共創(chuàng )、利益共享。目前，全國已建工會(huì )企業(yè)中，建立職工代表大會(huì )的企業(yè)有314.4萬(wàn)家，其中，非公有制企業(yè)293.8萬(wàn)家、占93.4%。

社會(huì )組織民主管理。社會(huì )團體、基金會(huì )、社會(huì )服務(wù)機構等社會(huì )組織，普遍制定章程，加強組織成員管理，自主開(kāi)展活動(dòng)，集中組織成員或服務(wù)對象的意見(jiàn)建議，以組織化的方式積極參與社會(huì )公共事務(wù)治理，在行業(yè)自律、社會(huì )服務(wù)、慈善事業(yè)等領(lǐng)域發(fā)揮民主管理作用。截至2021年11月，各級民政部門(mén)共登記社會(huì )組織超過(guò)90萬(wàn)家，其中全國性社會(huì )組織2284家。形式多樣的社會(huì )組織成為人民民主管理的重要領(lǐng)域。

（五）民主監督

全面有效的民主監督，保證人民的民主權利不因選舉結束而中斷，保證權力運用得到有效制約。在中國，解決權力濫用、以權謀私的問(wèn)題，不能靠所謂的政黨輪替和三權分立，要靠科學(xué)有效的民主監督。中國結合本國實(shí)際，探索構建起一套有機貫通、相互協(xié)調的監督體系，形成了配置科學(xué)、權責協(xié)同、運行高效的監督網(wǎng)，對權力的監督逐步延伸到每個(gè)領(lǐng)域、每個(gè)角落。

人大監督。人民代表大會(huì )充分發(fā)揮作用，對憲法法律的實(shí)施、重大決策部署的落實(shí)等開(kāi)展監督。各級人大及其常委會(huì )加強對“一府一委兩院”執法、監察、司法工作的監督，確保法律法規得到有效實(shí)施，確保行政權、監察權、審判權、檢察權得到正確行使。人民通過(guò)人大代表座談會(huì )、基層群眾座談會(huì )、問(wèn)卷調查、網(wǎng)絡(luò )調研等“開(kāi)門(mén)監督”的形式，積極參與人大監督工作。

民主監督。中國共產(chǎn)黨支持民主黨派和無(wú)黨派人士在堅持四項基本原則基礎上，在政治協(xié)商、調研考察，參與黨和國家有關(guān)重大方針政策、決策部署執行和實(shí)施情況的監督檢查，受黨委委托就有關(guān)重大問(wèn)題進(jìn)行專(zhuān)項監督等工作中，通過(guò)提出意見(jiàn)、批評、建議等方式，進(jìn)行民主監督。參加人民政協(xié)的各黨派團體和各族各界人士在政協(xié)組織的各種活動(dòng)中，依據政協(xié)章程，重點(diǎn)就黨和國家重大方針政策和重要決策部署的貫徹落實(shí)情況，以提出意見(jiàn)、批評、建議的方式進(jìn)行協(xié)商式監督，協(xié)助黨和政府解決問(wèn)題、改進(jìn)工作、增進(jìn)團結、凝心聚力。

行政監督。國家行政機關(guān)按照法定的權限、程序和方式，對行政機關(guān)自身的組織行為、行政行為進(jìn)行監督，包括各行政機關(guān)自上而下、自下而上以及相互之間進(jìn)行的監督。

監察監督。監察機關(guān)依法履行監察監督職責，對公職人員政治品行、行使公權力和道德操守情況進(jìn)行監督檢查，督促有關(guān)機關(guān)、單位加強對所屬公職人員的教育、管理、監督。

司法監督。審判機關(guān)和檢察機關(guān)依照法定職權和程序對人民授權的國家公權力進(jìn)行監督。司法監督是黨和國家監督體系中強制性程度最高的一種監督機制，是黨和國家利用監督手段、維護公權力正確行使的“最后一道防線(xiàn)”。

審計監督。審計機關(guān)依法對本級各部門(mén)和下級政府預算的執行情況和決算以及其他財政收支情況，進(jìn)行審計監督。

財會(huì )監督。財政部門(mén)根據法律授權，對財政、財務(wù)、會(huì )計管理的法律、行政法規、部門(mén)規章等執行情況進(jìn)行監督。

統計監督。統計部門(mén)及負有統計調查職責的相關(guān)機關(guān)，對所有行使統計權力、負有統計義務(wù)的組織和人員進(jìn)行監督，防范和懲治統計造假、弄虛作假，確保統計資料真實(shí)準確、完整及時(shí)，為經(jīng)濟社會(huì )發(fā)展提供扎實(shí)的統計保障。

群眾監督。公民、法人或者其他組織通過(guò)各種方式，對各級國家機關(guān)及其組成人員履職情況進(jìn)行監督，既可以依法申請行政復議、提起行政訴訟，也有權向監察機關(guān)檢舉控告監察對象不依法履職，違反秉公用權、廉潔從政從業(yè)以及道德操守等規定，涉嫌職務(wù)違法、職務(wù)犯罪行為。

輿論監督。媒體充分發(fā)揮輿論監督作用，對濫用公權、失職瀆職等行為及時(shí)揭露曝光。隨著(zhù)互聯(lián)網(wǎng)的快速發(fā)展，人們更多地借助網(wǎng)絡(luò )等平臺，對各級國家機關(guān)和公職人員提出意見(jiàn)、建議和批評，網(wǎng)絡(luò )在輿論監督中發(fā)揮著(zhù)越來(lái)越重要的作用。

III. Concrete and Pragmatic Practices

Whole-process people's democracy in China is a complete system with supporting mechanisms and procedures, and has been fully tested through wide participation. China's whole-process people's democracy is a combination of electoral democracy and consultative democracy, and is applied through a combination of elections, consultations, decision-making, management and oversight. It covers the economic, political, cultural, social, eco-environmental and other fields, with a focus on national development, social governance and people's lives.

Whole-process people's democracy is a comprehensive and coordinated system involving extensive and regular participation, ensuring that the people's voices are heard and their wishes are represented in every aspect of China's political and social life. Whole-process people's democracy prevents individuals from manipulating the political process to win elections, and leaves no room for politicians to shower promises while campaigning and break them all once elected.

1. Democratic Election

By exercising their right to vote in elections, the people elect those who represent their will to hold and exercise power. This is an important form of democracy in China, and a clear demonstration of the people's status as masters of the country.

Elections in China are extensive and cover all aspects of the country's political and social life. They include elections to government institutions, villagers and urban residents committees, and employees congresses in enterprises and public institutions.

Elections in China are based on equality, and the people's right to vote and stand for election is fully guaranteed. Each person can cast one vote, and all votes are of equal value.

Elections in China are genuine and not manipulated by financial interests. Voters are free to vote for the candidates they trust.

Elections in China are progressing in a positive direction with the progress of the economy and society.

Elections to state organs. These include elections to the NPC and the local people's congresses at all levels, and those in which deputies to people's congresses elect leading officials of state organs at the corresponding levels. All citizens of the PRC who have reached the age of 18 – with the exception of those persons deprived of political rights in accordance with the law – have the right to vote and stand for election.

In accordance with the principles of universal suffrage, equal rights, multiple candidates, and secret ballot, deputies to people's congresses at the township and county levels are elected directly by the public. Deputies to people's congresses at the city, provincial and national levels are elected by people's congresses at the next level below. All deputies are elected for a term of five years. Leading officials of state organs at various levels are appointed or elected by people's congresses at the corresponding levels.

Community-level elections. Elections at the grassroots level are the most extensive and dynamic form of democracy in China. They include elections of villagers committees, urban residents committees, and employees congresses in enterprises and public institutions.

Villagers and urban residents committees are composed of chairpersons, vice chairpersons and members, and the elections are held simultaneously with those at the township and county levels.

Employees congresses – elected by all employees – are the bodies through which employees exercise their democratic management rights and make their own decisions in enterprises and public institutions.

China's democratic elections are adapted to the country's national conditions and stage of socio-economic development. Over recent decades, theElectoral Law of the National People's Congress and Local People's Congresseshas been amended progressively. The ratio of deputy representation in people's congresses has been optimized – in 1953 there was an imbalance between urban areas and rural areas that gave urban residents eight times more representation than rural residents. By 1995 this ratio had fallen to 4:1, and by 2010 there was parity – urban and rural residents had equal levels of representation.

As the understanding of democracy has grown, so has the number of people participating in elections. Since the initiation of reform and opening up, China has held 12 direct elections to people's congresses at the township level and 11 direct elections to those at the county level, with a current participation rate of about 90 percent.

2. Democratic Consultation

Whenever a problem occurs, those concerned should always hold deliberations in good faith. Matters involving many people are discussed by all those involved; to reach the greatest common ground based on the wishes and needs of the whole of society is the essence of people's democracy. The Chinese people widely exercise their right to vote in elections and undertake extensive deliberations before major decisions are made. Democratic consultation is a special feature of democracy in China.

Democratic consultation has been established on the basis of solid cultural, theoretical, practical and institutional foundations. It derives from the best of traditional Chinese culture, including such ideas as aspiring for the common good, mutual understanding and inclusiveness, and seeking common ground while setting aside differences.

It comes from years of tenacious struggle by the Chinese people led by the CPC.

It originates from the political system created by all parties, organizations, ethnic groups, social groups and people from all walks of life since the founding of the PRC.

It also stems from China's continuous innovation in its state institutions since reform and opening up.

Democratic consultation takes many forms. In making and implementing decisions on major issues concerning reform, development and stability, and on matters bearing on the vital interests of the people, China conducts extensive consultations in all fields and at levels through various channels, including proposals, conferences, discussions, seminars, hearings, assessments, consultations, the internet, and opinion polls.

On matters that have a bearing on the interests of everyone, extensive consultations will be held throughout the whole of society; on matters that concern the interests of people in one specific region, consultations will be held locally; on matters that affect the interests of certain groups of people, consultations will be held among those groups; and on matters that concern the interests of a community, consultations will be held within the community.

The system of democratic consultation has improved. To promote the broad-based, multilevel and institutionalized development of consultative democracy, China has explored and expanded consultation channels to include consultations carried out by political parties, people's congresses, government departments, CPPCC committees, people's organizations, social organizations, and communities.

?The CPC and other political parties carry out consultations on major documents of the CPC National Congress and the Central Committee, the revision of the Constitution, the formulation and revision of major laws, the selection of candidates for state leaders, medium and long-term programs of socio-economic development, annual plan of socio-economic development, and major issues related to reform, development and stability, the united front, and multiparty cooperation.

?In exercising their functions and powers, people's congresses at all levels engage in deliberations with government departments, social organizations, experts and academics, and the general public.

?Governments at all levels, when performing their duties, strengthen communication with deputies to people's congresses, members of CPPCC committees, and representatives from the other political parties, the non-affiliates, people's organizations, social organizations, and all sectors of society.

?Under the leadership of the CPC, the CPPCC carries out extensive consultations and build consensus on matters concerning reform, development, and stability.

?People's organizations conduct consultations with relevant government departments on matters concerning the people's vital interests, especially those concerning the rights and interests of particular groups, and participate in consultations organized by the CPPCC.

?CPC organizations, government departments, and people's organizations for self-governance at the grassroots level, economic and social organizations, and local people deliberate over issues concerning the development of local communities and the vital interests of the people.

?Social organizations participate in or carry out consultations to better serve society.

With these seven consultation channels in place, China practices a rich and extensive form of democracy.

China draws on collective wisdom and promotes full expression and in-depth exchange of different ideas and viewpoints through democratic consultation. Parties to these consultations respect each other, consult on an equal footing, follow the rules, hold orderly discussions, stay inclusive and tolerant, and negotiate in good faith. In this way, a positive environment for consultation has been cultivated in which everyone can express their own views freely, rationally and in accordance with the law and rules. Through democratic consultation, China has built consensus and promoted social harmony and stability.

3. Democratic Decision-Making

Democratic decision-making is an important link in China's whole-process people's democracy. Reflecting the will of the people, sound decision-making ensures their rights and interests and improves their wellbeing. In China, the standard practice is to hear people's voices, act on their needs, and pool their ideas and strength. More and more ideas and suggestions of the general public are flowing directly to decision-makers at all levels, and they are increasingly reflected in the major decisions of the Party and the government.

Open-door legislation by the NPC. People's congresses at all levels and their standing committees are committed to democratic lawmaking in the public interest. To reflect their will in lawmaking, the people's participation in legislative activities is guaranteed through various channels, an approach that has won wide public support.

When a piece of legislation is proposed, seminars, hearings and discussions are held to widely solicit public opinion, so that the people's will is reflected from the very first stage of legislation. When a law is being drafted, professionals and the public are both consulted, and now third parties are entrusted to draft laws and regulations on a trial basis. When a draft law is released, it is subject to public review from online channels and news media. Through local legislative information offices, people can participate in the drafting, research, revision, evaluation, and post-assessment of draft laws.

Transparent decision-making by the government. Governments at all levels hear the opinions and suggestions of all sectors on major decisions. Public participation in decision-making is ensured in various forms and through multiple channels.

At the beginning of the decision-making process, deputies to people's congresses and CPPCC members make suggestions and proposals, and citizens, legal persons, and other organizations can file written suggestions. During the decision-making process, opinions and suggestions are collected from all social sectors, and especially from those directly concerned, through formats including seminars, hearings, questionnaires, and field trips.

For public information, the draft decisions and relevant explanatory notes are available on government websites and media portals. In the last step, the final decision is made after group discussion based on the principle of democratic centralism. In post-assessment, public opinion is solicited once more, and deputies to people's congresses, CPPCC members, people's organizations, grassroots organizations, social organizations, and experts in various fields are invited to participate.

Grassroots decision-making. This happens in various forms of meeting among rural villagers and urban residents or their representatives, on a wide range of subjects such as the economy and society, infrastructure, social management, cultural services, eco-environmental conservation, the formulation of self-governance regulations, and other key matters in local governance. Rural villagers and urban residents also take part in carrying out the decisions they have reached.

4. Democratic Management

In China, the people manage their own affairs. They are the masters of the country and exercise their democratic rights accordingly, managing affairs of the state, the economy, culture, and society through various channels and in many forms.

Participation in the management of political and social life. The people exercise their rights and fulfill their obligations as prescribed by the Constitution. They participate in elections, consultations, decision-making, and oversight, and manage other areas of political and social life, fully enjoying their rights of information, participation, expression, and scrutiny.

Democratic management of urban and rural communities. As per the Constitution, relevant laws and regulations, urban and rural residents can set rules and conventions to govern their communities. Through discussion, they can decide residents' rights and obligations, the coordination rules and procedures between local organizations, and general principles for the collective economy, neighborhood security, fire safety, community sanitation, marriage, neighborhood relations, family planning, and activities concerning cultural progress. All urban and rural communities are run by their residents, who manage the public affairs and public services in their communities, exercise self-supervision, and seek to improve their lives.

Democratic management of enterprises and public institutions. With autonomy in their business operations and management, more than 150 million market entities are thriving across the country, providing job opportunities to over 700 million people, increasing China's national strength and promoting steady growth in economic and social wealth.

In accordance with the Constitution, relevant laws and regulations, enterprises and public institutions are run under democratic management through their employees congresses. The framework features disclosure of information on the affairs of enterprises, and systems for employees to serve on the board of directors and the board of supervisors. Under this framework, employees participate in business management, and protect their own legitimate rights and interests. In this way enterprises and their employees develop and maintain management mechanisms through consultation, and share the benefits they create.

A total of 3.14 million enterprises have established employees congresses, including 2.94 million private enterprises.

Democratic management of social organizations. Associations, foundations, social services and other social organizations formulate their own charters and exercise autonomy in managing their staff and activities. They address the concerns of their staff and clients, and hear their opinions. They participate in the governance of public affairs as appropriate to their role, and contribute to improving professional discipline, public services and charitable undertakings.

As of November 2021, more than 900,000 social organizations were registered with departments of civil affairs at all levels, including 2,284 with national networks. Diverse in form, social organizations have become an important area of people's democratic management in China.

5. Democratic Oversight

Comprehensive and effective democratic oversight enables the people to continue to exercise their democratic rights after elections, and ensures that there is an effective check on the exercise of power. In China, the abuse of power for personal gain is not eradicated by the rotation of ruling parties or separation of powers, but by sound, effective democratic oversight. Taking into consideration its own conditions, China has explored a coordinated system of oversight and established a well-defined, efficient supervisory network with clear functions and responsibilities. Supervision of power extends across every area and into every corner.

Supervision by people's congresses. People's congresses play their full role in overseeing the enforcement of the Constitution and laws, and the implementation of major decisions and plans. The people's congresses at all levels and their standing committees have strengthened their efforts to oversee judicial, supervisory and law enforcement work by the government, supervisory commissions, people's courts, and people's procuratorates, to ensure that laws and regulations are observed and that administrative, supervisory, judicial and procuratorial powers are exercised properly. The people actively participate in supervisory work of the people's congresses by various means such as forums of NPC deputies, meetings of people from the grassroots, questionnaires, online research, etc.

Supervision by non-CPC political parties. The CPC encourages the other political parties and the non-affiliates to exercise democratic oversight by expressing views, making criticism and giving advice as they participate in political consultation, conduct field work, take part in inspection and oversight of the implementation of major policies, decisions and plans of the Party and the state, and carry out targeted scrutiny over major issues as entrusted by CPC committees, while adhering to the Four Cardinal Principles – to keep to the path of socialism, to uphold the people's democratic dictatorship, to uphold the leadership of the CPC, and to uphold Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought. The political parties, organizations, and prominent figures participating in the CPPCC can, in accordance with the CPPCC's charter, oversee in various activities organized by the CPPCC the implementation of major policies, decisions and plans of the CPC and the state by offering criticisms and suggestions. Their assistance to the CPC and the government in solving problems and improving their work increases solidarity.

Administrative supervision. The state administrative organs, in accordance with their statutory authority, procedures and methods, supervise their own operational and administrative acts. Different organs supervise each other, and conduct internal supervision from top to bottom and from bottom to top.

Oversight by supervisory commissions. Supervisory commissions perform their duties of supervision as provided for by the law. They examine the political conduct of public servants and supervise their exercise of public power and their fulfillment of professional ethics; they can also urge relevant organs and units to strengthen education, management and supervision of their staff.

Judicial supervision. The judicial and procuratorial organs, in accordance with their statutory purview and procedures, supervise the exercise of public power mandated by the people. Judicial supervision is the most forceful form of oversight of the CPC and the state; it is the ultimate "line of defense" to ensure lawful exercise of public power.

Auditing supervision. Auditing organs at each level inspect budget performance, audit the final accounts and the revenues and expenditures of the departments at their level and of lower-level governments.

Fiscal and accounting supervision. Financial departments are legally empowered to supervise the enforcement of laws, administrative regulations, and departmental regulations that govern fiscal and accounting affairs.

Statistical supervision. Statistical departments and relevant offices with statistical functions and duties supervise all organizations and personnel producing official statistics, to prevent and punish falsification, and ensure that statistical data are authentic, accurate, complete, and up to date, providing reliable reference for planning economic and social development.

Public supervision. Citizens, legal persons and other organizations supervise the performance of state organs and their staff. They can request administrative review, initiate administrative litigation, or file complaints or charges with supervisory organs against any misconduct or crime involving dereliction of duty, abuse of power, or violation of professional ethics.

Supervision by public opinion. The media fulfill their supervisory role by representing public opinion, exposing in a timely manner abuses of public power, derelictions of duty, and acts of malfeasance. People are now relying more on the fast-growing internet and other platforms to offer criticisms and suggestions on the work of state organs and public servants at all levels. The internet is playing a bigger part in facilitating supervision by public opinion.

四、廣泛真實(shí)管用的民主

完整的制度程序和完整的參與實(shí)踐，使全過(guò)程人民民主從價(jià)值理念成為扎根中國大地的制度形態(tài)、治理機制和人民的生活方式。人民當家作主，具體地、現實(shí)地體現在黨治國理政的政策措施上，具體地、現實(shí)地體現在黨和國家機關(guān)各個(gè)方面各個(gè)層級工作上，具體地、現實(shí)地體現在實(shí)現人民對美好生活向往的工作上。民主的陽(yáng)光照耀中華大地，中國人民享有廣泛充分、真實(shí)具體、有效管用的民主。

（一）人民享有廣泛權利

中國憲法規定，國家的一切權力屬于人民；人民依照法律規定，通過(guò)各種途徑和形式，管理國家事務(wù)，管理經(jīng)濟和文化事業(yè)，管理社會(huì )事務(wù)。中國的政治權力不是依據地位、財富、關(guān)系分配的，而是全體人民平等享有的。國家權力不是為資本服務(wù)的，而是為人民服務(wù)的。

中國實(shí)行公有制為主體、多種所有制經(jīng)濟共同發(fā)展，按勞分配為主體、多種分配方式并存，社會(huì )主義市場(chǎng)經(jīng)濟體制等社會(huì )主義基本經(jīng)濟制度，國民經(jīng)濟命脈牢牢掌握在人民手中，人民當家作主具有堅實(shí)經(jīng)濟基礎和物質(zhì)保障。

在中國，人民依法享有選舉權和被選舉權，享有對國家和社會(huì )事務(wù)的知情權、參與權、表達權、監督權，享有對任何國家機關(guān)和國家工作人員提出批評和建議的權利，享有言論、出版、集會(huì )、結社、游行、示威、宗教信仰等自由。人民既廣泛參與國家、社會(huì )事務(wù)和經(jīng)濟文化事業(yè)的管理，也在日常生活中廣泛充分行使民主權利，每個(gè)人都有多重民主角色，都享有相應民主權利。

在中國，人權得到充分尊重和有效保障。人民幸福生活是最大的人權。中國經(jīng)濟保持長(cháng)期穩定快速發(fā)展，人民生活顯著(zhù)改善。中國建成世界上規模最大的社會(huì )保障體系，基本醫療保險覆蓋超過(guò)13億人、基本養老保險覆蓋超過(guò)10億人。中國全面建成小康社會(huì )，14億多人民徹底擺脫了絕對貧困，正邁向共同富裕。中國人民的獲得感、幸福感、安全感不斷提升，生存權、發(fā)展權、健康權得到充分保障，經(jīng)濟、政治、文化、社會(huì )、環(huán)境等方面權利不斷發(fā)展。

中國人民享有的權利不斷豐富發(fā)展。從新中國成立后在政治、經(jīng)濟平等基礎上謀求生存發(fā)展，到改革開(kāi)放后既追求物質(zhì)富裕也追求精神富足，再到新時(shí)代打贏(yíng)脫貧攻堅戰、全面建成小康社會(huì )、扎實(shí)推進(jìn)共同富裕、取得抗擊新冠肺炎疫情重大戰略成果，中國人民享有權利的內涵不斷豐富、外延不斷拓展，向著(zhù)實(shí)現人的全面發(fā)展不斷邁進(jìn)。

（二）人民民主參與不斷擴大

人民只有在投票時(shí)被喚醒、投票后就進(jìn)入休眠期，只有競選時(shí)聆聽(tīng)天花亂墜的口號、競選后就毫無(wú)發(fā)言權，只有拉票時(shí)受寵、選舉后就被冷落，這樣的民主不是真正的民主。在中國，民主觀(guān)念深入人心，人民的民主參與廣泛持續，民主實(shí)踐深深融入人們的日常工作和生產(chǎn)生活，民主蔚然成風(fēng)，社會(huì )充滿(mǎn)活力。

人民參與民主的意愿不斷增強，參與的廣度和深度不斷拓展。人民既參與國家和社會(huì )事務(wù)管理，又參與經(jīng)濟和文化事業(yè)管理；既參與國家發(fā)展頂層設計的意見(jiàn)建議征詢(xún)，又參與地方公共事務(wù)治理；既參與民主選舉、民主協(xié)商，又參與民主決策、民主管理、民主監督；既通過(guò)人大、政協(xié)等渠道表達意愿，又通過(guò)社會(huì )組織、網(wǎng)絡(luò )等平臺表達訴求。從“數豆豆”（注^②）到電子投票，從群眾跑腿到“數據跑路”，民主參與的形式不斷創(chuàng )新、渠道不斷拓展。黨和國家要做什么、如何做、做得怎么樣，人民參與貫穿始終。

人民利益要求既能暢通表達，也能有效實(shí)現。民主，起始于人民意愿充分表達，落實(shí)于人民意愿有效實(shí)現。人民意愿只能表達、不能實(shí)現，不是真正意義的民主。在中國，人民的期盼、希望和訴求，從國家大政方針，到社會(huì )治理，再到百姓衣食住行，有地方說(shuō)、說(shuō)了有人聽(tīng)、聽(tīng)了有反饋。人民的意愿和呼聲，經(jīng)過(guò)民主決策程序成為黨和國家的方針政策，并通過(guò)中央、省、市、縣、鄉鎮各個(gè)層級的緊密配合、層層落實(shí)，通過(guò)各個(gè)職能部門(mén)之間主管、主辦、協(xié)管、協(xié)辦的分工合作、協(xié)調配合，通過(guò)決策、執行、檢查、監督、問(wèn)責等各個(gè)環(huán)節的相互配合、有機銜接，轉化為實(shí)現人民意愿的具體實(shí)踐。對于涉及自身利益的實(shí)際問(wèn)題，人們通過(guò)信訪(fǎng)平臺、領(lǐng)導信箱、政務(wù)熱線(xiàn)、網(wǎng)絡(luò )“留言板”等提出意見(jiàn)和訴求，能夠得到及時(shí)反饋和回應。

（三）國家治理高效

民主與國家治理緊密相關(guān)。民主的發(fā)展與國家治理的現代化相伴相生，相互作用，相互促進(jìn)。絕無(wú)國家治理“失靈”“低效”，國內問(wèn)題成堆，民主卻是“世界樣板”的荒謬現象。好的民主一定是實(shí)現良政善治的，一定是推動(dòng)國家發(fā)展的。

中國民主的高質(zhì)量，促進(jìn)了國家治理的高效能，提升了國家治理體系和治理能力現代化水平。中國的民主，充分彰顯了人民的主體地位，極大增強了人民的主人翁意識，人民既是民主的參與者，也是民主的受益者，智慧力量充分激發(fā)，既為自己也為國家、民族拼搏奮斗。中國的民主，有效調節國家政治關(guān)系，發(fā)展充滿(mǎn)活力的政黨關(guān)系、民族關(guān)系、宗教關(guān)系、階層關(guān)系、海內外同胞關(guān)系，增強民族凝聚力，最大限度避免了牽扯，切實(shí)防止了相互掣肘、內耗嚴重的現象，形成了安定團結的政治局面和團結干事的強大合力。中國的民主，把黨的主張、國家意志、人民意愿緊密融合在一起，使得黨、國家和人民成為目標相同、利益一致、相互交融、同心同向的整體，產(chǎn)生極大耦合力，形成集中力量辦大事的制度優(yōu)勢，有效促進(jìn)了社會(huì )生產(chǎn)力解放和發(fā)展，促進(jìn)了現代化建設各項事業(yè)，促進(jìn)了人民生活質(zhì)量和水平不斷提高。中國的民主，始終把中國人民利益放在第一位，有效維護了國家獨立自主，有效維護了國家主權、安全、發(fā)展利益，有效維護了中國人民和中華民族的福祉。

新中國成立70多年來(lái)，黨團結帶領(lǐng)人民，不斷戰勝前進(jìn)道路上各種世所罕見(jiàn)的艱難險阻，成功走出中國式現代化道路，取得舉世矚目的發(fā)展成就，中國經(jīng)濟實(shí)力、綜合國力、人民生活水平顯著(zhù)提升。對于中國這樣一個(gè)人口多、體量大、人均資源稟賦處于世界較低水平的最大發(fā)展中國家，沒(méi)有人民的主人翁地位和主人翁精神，沒(méi)有億萬(wàn)人民的團結奮斗，實(shí)現這樣的發(fā)展是不可能的。中國的民主，真正把發(fā)展為了人民、發(fā)展依靠人民、發(fā)展成果由人民共享落到實(shí)處，充分調動(dòng)起人民的主觀(guān)能動(dòng)性，這是中國之治的“密碼”，是中國民主的力量。

（四）社會(huì )和諧穩定

民主是人類(lèi)社會(huì )進(jìn)步的產(chǎn)物和標志。發(fā)展民主，要推動(dòng)社會(huì )向著(zhù)自由、平等、公正、文明、團結、和諧的方向前行。好的民主，應凝聚社會(huì )共識，而不是造成社會(huì )撕裂和沖突；應維護社會(huì )公平正義，而不是導致社會(huì )階層和利益固化；應保持社會(huì )穩定有序，而不是帶來(lái)混亂和動(dòng)蕩；應讓社會(huì )充滿(mǎn)向美向善向上的正能量，而不是充斥假惡丑的負能量。

中國國情復雜，治理難度世所罕見(jiàn)。中國的人民民主，實(shí)現各方面意志和利益的協(xié)調統一，實(shí)現各方面在共同思想、共同利益、共同目標基礎上的團結一致，人民安居樂(lè )業(yè)、心情舒暢，社會(huì )和諧穩定、生機勃勃。中國用幾十年時(shí)間走過(guò)了西方發(fā)達國家幾百年走過(guò)的工業(yè)化歷程，在劇烈的社會(huì )變革中，沒(méi)有發(fā)生后發(fā)國家在現代化進(jìn)程中容易出現的社會(huì )動(dòng)蕩，不僅創(chuàng )造了經(jīng)濟快速發(fā)展奇跡，也創(chuàng )造了社會(huì )長(cháng)期穩定奇跡。中國人民經(jīng)歷了幾千年歷史上個(gè)人自由的最大發(fā)展，思想可以自由地表達，人員可以自由地流動(dòng)，億萬(wàn)人民的創(chuàng )新源泉充分涌流、創(chuàng )造活力競相迸發(fā)。今天的中國，人們自由自在地穿梭于城鄉之間、城市之間；每天有1.6萬(wàn)戶(hù)企業(yè)誕生；10億網(wǎng)民通過(guò)網(wǎng)絡(luò )了解天下大事、進(jìn)行交流、表達觀(guān)點(diǎn)……中國社會(huì )開(kāi)放自由，但始終保持了社會(huì )團結和諧、穩定有序。人民民主既是中國社會(huì )進(jìn)步的推進(jìn)器，也是中國社會(huì )進(jìn)步的潤滑劑。

（五）權力運用得到有效制約和監督

權力是把“雙刃劍”。權力在有效制約和監督下運行才能實(shí)現民主、造福人民，權力失去約束、恣意妄為必然破壞民主、危害人民。中國不斷加強對權力運行的制約和監督，始終堅持公權力姓公，始終堅持權為民所用，確保人民賦予的權力始終用來(lái)為人民謀幸福。

把權力關(guān)進(jìn)制度的籠子里。加強對權力的制約和監督，制度具有根本性、全局性、穩定性和長(cháng)期性。持續推進(jìn)依規治黨，持續推進(jìn)依法治國、依法執政、依法行政，依法設定權力、規范權力、制約權力、監督權力，讓權力在陽(yáng)光下運行。健全完善黨內法規制度體系，嚴明紀律規矩，使黨的各級組織和黨員干部都在紀律規矩范圍內活動(dòng)。普遍實(shí)行領(lǐng)導干部任期制，實(shí)現了國家機關(guān)和領(lǐng)導層的有序更替。加強對領(lǐng)導干部特別是高級領(lǐng)導干部的管理，嚴格規范工作和生活待遇，堅決防止形成特權階層。健全黨和國家監督制度，堅持和完善黨和國家監督體系，完善黨務(wù)、政務(wù)、司法和各領(lǐng)域辦事公開(kāi)制度，保證黨和國家領(lǐng)導機關(guān)和人員在法定的“權力清單”和“責任清單”范圍內、依照法定程序開(kāi)展工作，最大限度防止權力出軌、個(gè)人尋租。

堅決反對和懲治腐敗。腐敗是人民民主的大敵。中國以“得罪千百人、不負十四億”的鮮明態(tài)度，堅定不移推進(jìn)反腐敗斗爭。堅持系統施治、標本兼治，不敢腐、不能腐、不想腐一體推進(jìn)，懲治震懾、制度約束、提高覺(jué)悟一體發(fā)力。堅持反腐敗無(wú)禁區、全覆蓋、零容忍，堅持重遏制、強高壓、長(cháng)震懾，堅持受賄行賄一起查，堅持有案必查、有腐必懲，以猛藥去疴、重典治亂的決心，以刮骨療毒、壯士斷腕的勇氣，堅定不移“打虎”“拍蠅”“獵狐”，以雷霆之勢、霹靂手段懲治腐敗，持續形成強大震懾，反腐敗斗爭取得壓倒性勝利并全面鞏固。在解決腐敗這個(gè)古今中外治國理政的頑疾方面，中國不僅有鮮明態(tài)度，更有實(shí)際行動(dòng)。

評判一種民主形式好不好，實(shí)踐最有說(shuō)服力，人民最有發(fā)言權，歸根結底要看能不能讓人民過(guò)上好日子。中國的民主行不行、好不好，歸根結底要看中國人民滿(mǎn)意不滿(mǎn)意、中國人民擁護不擁護。有數據顯示，近年來(lái)，中國人民對中國政府的滿(mǎn)意度每年都保持在90%以上，這是中國民主具有強大生命力最真實(shí)的反映。中國的民主道路走得通、走得好，中國人民將沿著(zhù)這條道路堅定走下去。

IV. Democracy That Works

With complete institutions and extensive participation, whole-process people's democracy has evolved from an idea into a system and mechanism of governance that has taken root in the soil of Chinese society and become part of people's lives. In practice, the principle of the people being masters of the country is manifested in the Party's governance policies and measures, in all aspects of the work of Party and state organs at all levels, and in the efforts to meet the people's expectation for a better life. The light of democracy has illuminated China's entire territory, allowing its people to enjoy extensive and tangible democratic rights.

1. Extensive Rights of the People

The Constitution stipulates that all power in the People's Republic of China belongs to the people, and that the people shall, in accordance with the provisions of the law, manage state affairs, economic and cultural undertakings, and social affairs through various channels and in various ways. China's political power is not linked in any way with personal status, wealth, or social relations, but is equally enjoyed by all the people. The state power serves the people, rather than capital.

China practices a socialist market economy in which public ownership plays the leading role alongside other forms of ownership. Distribution according to work is the mainstay, while other forms of distribution coexist alongside it. This ensures that the lifelines of the Chinese economy remain firmly in the hands of the people, providing solid economic and material foundations for the people to run their own country.

In China, the people have the right to vote and stand for election. They enjoy the rights to be informed about, to be involved in, to express views on, and to supervise the state and social affairs. They have the right to criticize and make suggestions regarding any state organ or public servant. They enjoy freedom of speech, the press, assembly, association, procession, demonstration, and religious belief. The Chinese people take part in the management of state affairs and social, economic, and cultural affairs in an extensive manner; they also fully exercise their democratic rights in everyday life. Everyone plays multiple roles in advancing democracy, and enjoys corresponding democratic rights in the process.

In China, human rights are fully respected and protected. Living a life of contentment is the ultimate human right. China's economy has maintained long-term, stable, and rapid growth, and people's lives have significantly improved. China has established the world's largest social security system. The number of people covered by basic medical insurance has surpassed 1.3 billion, and the number of those covered by basic old-age insurance has now exceeded 1 billion. China has completed the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. The entire country has shaken off absolute poverty and embarked on the road to common prosperity. The people have gained a stronger sense of fulfillment, happiness and security. Their rights to subsistence, development and health are fully protected, and their economic, political, cultural, social, environmental, and other rights keep expanding.

The Chinese people can see their rights being steadily enriched and improved. After the founding of the PRC in 1949, they began to seek subsistence and development on the basis of political and economic equality; after the launch of reform and opening up in 1978, they began to pursue both material and cultural prosperity; in this new era, China has eliminated absolute poverty, completed the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, made great strides towards common prosperity, and achieved remarkable successes in the fight against Covid-19. Throughout this course, the rights enjoyed by the Chinese people have expanded in scope and depth, and steady progress has been made in achieving the free and well-rounded development of the individual.

2. Expanding Democratic Participation

If the people are awakened only to cast a vote but become dormant afterwards, that is no true democracy. If the people are offered great hopes during electoral campaigning but have no say afterwards, that is no true democracy. If the people are offered fulsome promises during electoral canvassing but are left empty-handed afterwards, that is no true democracy. In China, the concept of democracy has taken root in the people's minds, and the practice of democracy has become an integral part of daily life and work, resulting in wide and sustained democratic participation. Democracy has become the norm, injecting great vitality into Chinese society.

The Chinese people are showing greater interest in democratic participation, which is expanding in scope and depth. The people participate in the management of state affairs, social affairs, and economic and cultural affairs; they provide opinions and suggestions for the design of national development plans at the highest level, and also contribute to the governance of local public affairs; they take part in democratic elections, consultations, decision-making, management, and oversight; they express their aspirations and demands through channels such as the people's congresses and the CPPCC, and through platforms like social organizations and the internet. Continuous innovations in the forms and channels of democracy have broadened participation: Electronic voting has replaced "bean voting"²; people no longer need to deliver their demands to government departments in person, but can turn to online channels. Public participation is seen throughout the process of determining what the Party and the government should do and how, and how to assess its results.

The people's demands can be freely expressed and effectively fulfilled. Democracy starts with the full expression of the people's wishes, but if people can only voice their wishes but have no way to fulfill them, that is no real democracy. China has ensured that its people have channels to express their aspirations, wishes and demands on issues ranging from important national strategies and policies to social governance and basic necessities of life, enabling their voices to be heard and their requests to be answered.

Through the democratic decision-making process, the people's aspirations and voices can become the guiding principles and policies of the Party and the state. These principles and policies embody the people's expectations and are implemented through cooperative and effective efforts by governments at central, provincial, city, county, and township levels, through the division of work and teamwork of departments responsible for leadership, management, coordination and support, and through the collaboration and synergy of such activities as decision-making, implementation, inspection, scrutiny, and accountability. Concerning problems directly impacting their personal interests, people can make suggestions and demands via channels like the online petition, "leaders' mailboxes", government service hotlines, and online message boards, which can enable timely feedback and responses.

3. Efficient National Governance

Democracy and national governance operate in parallel. Progress in democracy and modernization of national governance are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. It is hard to see how a country can serve as a good example for the rest of the world if its own model of democracy is unsuccessful or inefficient in national governance. One essential feature of a good model of democracy is that it will promote sound governance and boost national development.

High-quality democracy in China has improved the system, capacity and efficiency of national governance. Democracy has given prominence to the people's principal status and reinforced their sense of being masters of the country. The people are the builders and beneficiaries of democracy. They fully tap into their own wisdom and strength to create a better life and make the country stronger.

Democracy in China effectively regulates political relations and fosters vibrant relationships among political parties, ethnic groups, religions, social groups, and compatriots at home and abroad. It bolsters national cohesion by minimizing internal friction, maintains political unity and stability, and creates great synergy in developing the country.

Democracy in China gives full expression to the guidelines of the CPC, the will of the state, and the expectations of the people, uniting the Party, the government and the people behind shared goals, interests and aspirations. This generates a huge cohesive force that translates into one of China's great institutional strengths – the ability to pool resources to accomplish major initiatives. It has helped unleash and develop the productive forces, incentivize all sectors in the drive for modernization, and raise the quality of life.

Democracy in China has always put the people first and improved their wellbeing. It has safeguarded national independence and protected national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Over the seven decades since the founding of the PRC, the CPC has led the people in overcoming formidable difficulties, opening a distinctive Chinese path to modernization, and achieving remarkable successes. There has been a marked increase in China's economic and composite national strength, and a notable improvement in the people's living standards.

China is the largest developing country. It hosts one fifth of the world population, but its per capita resource endowment is low. Its success today would have been impossible without the people's determination to run their own country and create a better life for themselves. Democracy in China means people-centered development that fully mobilizes the initiative of the people, relies on their strength, and ensures that all share in the benefits. This is the key to sound governance and the fount of democracy in China.

4. Social Stability and Harmony

Democracy is both a result and a marker of social progress. Democracy can only thrive in a society based on freedom, equality, justice, civility, unity and harmony. A good model of democracy should build consensus rather than creating social rifts and conflicts, safeguard social equity and justice rather than widening social disparities in favor of vested interests, maintain social order and stability rather than causing chaos and turmoil, and inspire positivity and appreciation of the good and the beautiful rather than instigating negativity and promoting the false and the evil.

China's complex national conditions pose a set of unique challenges in governing the country. Through people's democracy, China has balanced the demands and interests of all social groups and strengthened national unity based on their shared ideas, interests and goals. The people can live and work in contentment, in a stable, vibrant and harmonious social environment.

In just a few decades, China has gone through a process of industrialization that took the developed countries centuries to complete. Despite undergoing this dramatic transformation, it has avoided the social unrest which has afflicted many late-industrializing economies in the process of modernization. Instead, it has maintained rapid economic growth and lasting social stability.

In China, personal liberty has developed to an extent never before seen in several thousand years of history. Creativity and potential for innovation have been fully unleashed, and people enjoy freedom of speech and mobility.

Every day in China, people travel freely across the country; 16,000 new companies are created; 1 billion people surf the internet, accessing news, communicating with other people, and expressing their views.

While China has become an open and free society, it has maintained order and stability and promoted unity and harmony. People's democracy is the propellant as well as the lubricant for China's social progress.

5. Effective Constraint and Supervision of the Exercise of Power

Power is a double-edged sword. It can only contribute to democracy and benefit the people when it is exercised under effective constraints and supervision. Unchecked, it is always likely to run out of control, sabotage democracy, and harm the people. In China, the exercise of power has been brought under growing control and supervision. Public power, entrusted by the people, is and will always be exercised for the public good.

Restraining power in an institutional cage. Checks on and supervision over power are being strengthened under solid institutions, ensuring measures against corruption are thorough, all-encompassing, consistent and long-lasting. Ongoing efforts have been made to govern the CPC by regulations, and to promote law-based governance, law-based exercise of state power, and law-based government administration. Power is prescribed by law, and regulated, constrained, and supervised by legal means, to ensure it is exercised transparently. The CPC has taken measures to strengthen its regulations, and requires all its members and organizations to act within the scope of Party discipline and rules. Officials' term of office has been introduced for leadership positions, ensuring the orderly transition of leadership personnel in state organs. Management of officials, especially high-ranking officials, has been strengthened, with strict and clearly-defined rules over their incomes and entitlements to prevent the evolution of a privileged elite. The supervisory systems of the Party and the state have been improved; the Party, the government, the judiciary, and all sectors have become more transparent in handling affairs; leading Party and state organs and their personnel work within their statutory limits, with clear powers and responsibilities and following statutory procedures. All this prevents rent-seeking and ensures that the exercise of power does not stray beyond the proper boundaries.

Fighting and punishing corruption. Corruption is the arch-enemy of people's democracy. The Chinese government is determined to honor its commitment to 1.4 billion Chinese people by fighting corruption. With systemic efforts to address both the symptoms and root causes, the awareness, ability and resolve to resist corruption form an integral, coordinated whole. While punishments are meted out to deter crime, institutional checks and personal commitment to staying clean also play a role. No refuge has been excluded from the scope, no ground left unturned, and no tolerance shown in the fight against corruption. China will continue to impose tight constraints, maintain a tough stance and long-term deterrence, and punish both those who take bribes and those who offer them. No case of corruption will escape investigation and no corrupt official will go unpunished. Just as a heavy dose of medicine will be taken to treat a serious disease, China will fight with all the means necessary to "hunt down tigers", "swat flies", "chase foxes" and mete out severe punishments to corrupt officials – big or small, in China or seeking refuge overseas. Strong, decisive measures have struck down corruption like thunder, forming a powerful deterrence that has helped to consolidate China's sweeping victory in the fight against corruption. To solve this persistent malaise, a thorn in the flesh of all governments regardless of time or place, China has taken a clear stance and responded with resolute action.

Whether a model of democracy works should be tested in actual practice and judged by the people. Whether China's model of democracy is successful should be judged by its people. It all boils down to whether the people can enjoy a good life. Surveys have shown that the level of public satisfaction with the government has remained above 90 percent for many years. This provides unequivocal evidence of the efficacy and vitality of democracy in China. The Chinese people will continue firmly on the path they have chosen to achieve greater democracy.

五、豐富人類(lèi)政治文明形態(tài)

民主是人類(lèi)社會(huì )歷經(jīng)千百年探索形成的政治形態(tài)，在人類(lèi)發(fā)展進(jìn)程中發(fā)揮了重要作用。但是，20世紀以來(lái)，在波濤洶涌的民主化大潮中，有的國家停滯不前，有的國家陷入動(dòng)蕩，有的國家分崩離析。當今世界，既面臨“民主過(guò)?！薄懊裰鞒佟?，也面臨“民主赤字”“民主失色”。民主怎么了？民主還管用嗎？回答“民主之問(wèn)”，廓清“民主迷思”，關(guān)乎世界和平發(fā)展，關(guān)乎人類(lèi)文明未來(lái)。一些國家的民主化出現挫折甚至危機，并非民主本身之錯，而是民主實(shí)踐出現了偏差。

中國的民主經(jīng)歷了選擇、探索、實(shí)踐與發(fā)展的艱辛歷程。中國基于本國國情發(fā)展全過(guò)程人民民主，既有著(zhù)鮮明的中國特色，也體現了全人類(lèi)對民主的共同追求；既推動(dòng)了中國的發(fā)展與中華民族的復興，也豐富了人類(lèi)政治文明形態(tài)。

（一）為人類(lèi)民主事業(yè)發(fā)展探索新的路徑

一個(gè)國家在現代化進(jìn)程中，實(shí)現民主發(fā)展與政治穩定、社會(huì )進(jìn)步的良性互動(dòng)，極其重要，也極為不易。

中國的現代化，沒(méi)有走西方老路，而是創(chuàng )造了中國式現代化道路；沒(méi)有照搬照抄西方民主模式，而是創(chuàng )造了中國式民主。占世界人口近五分之一的14億多中國人民真正實(shí)現當家作主，享有廣泛權利和自由，提振了發(fā)展中國家發(fā)展民主的信心，為人類(lèi)民主事業(yè)發(fā)展探索了新的路徑。這是中國對人類(lèi)政治文明的重大貢獻，也是人類(lèi)社會(huì )的巨大進(jìn)步。

人民當家作主，是中國民主的初心。中國在發(fā)展民主的進(jìn)程中，也走過(guò)彎路，遇到過(guò)挫折，但始終堅守初心，不動(dòng)搖、不偏移、不走樣。今天的中國，人民當家作主的內涵不斷豐富、渠道不斷拓寬、效能不斷提升，中國民主不斷向前推進(jìn)。

樹(shù)立正確的民主觀(guān)，并一以貫之地堅持、發(fā)展與創(chuàng )新，是發(fā)展民主的首要，是實(shí)現民主的“總鑰匙”和“總開(kāi)關(guān)”。真民主、好民主，要做到人民當家作主，人民不僅有選舉、投票的權利，也有廣泛參與的權利；不僅能表達自己的意愿，也能有效實(shí)現；不僅推動(dòng)國家發(fā)展，也共享發(fā)展成果。

（二）走符合國情的民主發(fā)展道路

民主是多樣的，實(shí)現民主的道路并非只有一條。各國的歷史文化不同、現實(shí)國情不同，民主的形式選擇必然不同。照搬照抄其他國家的民主模式，必然導致水土不服、弊病叢生，甚至陷入政治動(dòng)蕩、社會(huì )動(dòng)亂、人民流離失所。

對中國這樣一個(gè)大國來(lái)說(shuō)，選擇什么樣的民主發(fā)展道路至關(guān)重要。中國注重吸收借鑒人類(lèi)政治文明一切有益成果，但絕不照抄照搬別國民主模式；歡迎一切有益的建議和善意的批評，但絕不接受“教師爺”般頤指氣使的說(shuō)教。堅持中國的民主按照中國的特點(diǎn)、中國的實(shí)際來(lái)設計和發(fā)展，堅定不移走符合國情的民主發(fā)展之路，是中國民主發(fā)展的一條基本經(jīng)驗。

中國發(fā)展民主，始終立足人口多、基礎弱、底子薄的基本國情，正確把握民主與發(fā)展的關(guān)系，始終把發(fā)展作為第一要務(wù)，以民主促進(jìn)國家發(fā)展、在國家發(fā)展基礎上推進(jìn)民主，不離開(kāi)發(fā)展空談民主；始終傳承5000年中華文明，注重從中華優(yōu)秀傳統文化中汲取智慧和養分；始終準確把握中國所處的歷史階段，緊密結合經(jīng)濟社會(huì )發(fā)展水平推進(jìn)民主，積極穩妥、穩中求進(jìn)，不好高騖遠，不急于求成，不犯顛覆性錯誤；始終堅持問(wèn)題導向，不斷發(fā)現問(wèn)題、善于解決問(wèn)題，每解決一個(gè)問(wèn)題就把民主建設向前推進(jìn)一步，不斷推動(dòng)民主制度體系更加成熟、更加定型。

世界上不存在完全相同的政治制度，也不存在適用于一切國家的政治制度模式。各國應根據自身特點(diǎn)選擇符合自身現代化發(fā)展的民主形態(tài)，學(xué)習借鑒而不是照抄照搬。適合的就是最好的。只有扎根本國土壤、汲取充沛養分的民主，才能不斷發(fā)展完善，才最可靠也最管用。外部干涉和所謂的“民主改造”貽害無(wú)窮。中國不尋求輸出中國的“民主模式”，也絕不接受任何外部勢力企圖改變中國的制度模式。中國堅定支持各國自主選擇本國的民主發(fā)展道路，反對外部勢力以“民主”為借口干涉他國內政。

（三）推動(dòng)國際關(guān)系民主化

民主在一國內體現為人民當家作主，在國家間則體現為國際關(guān)系民主化。一個(gè)國家的尊嚴應該得到尊重，主權、安全和發(fā)展利益不應受到侵犯。以自己的尺度評判他國，甚至通過(guò)顏色革命、使用武力迫使他國照搬自己的政治制度、民主模式，這是反民主的。

中國是民主的忠實(shí)追求者、積極推動(dòng)者和模范實(shí)踐者，不但在本國積極發(fā)展人民民主，而且在國際上大力推動(dòng)國際關(guān)系民主化。面對世界百年未有之大變局，中國高舉和平、發(fā)展、合作、共贏(yíng)的旗幟，提出構建人類(lèi)命運共同體理念，推動(dòng)建設相互尊重、公平正義、合作共贏(yíng)的新型國際關(guān)系。面對全球范圍內經(jīng)濟、科技等領(lǐng)域競爭，中國不是把對方視為對手，而是視為伙伴；不是搞冷戰和對抗、控制和操縱，而是促進(jìn)交流合作、實(shí)現互利共贏(yíng)。中國積極發(fā)展全球伙伴關(guān)系，構建總體穩定、均衡發(fā)展的大國關(guān)系框架，按照親誠惠容理念和與鄰為善、以鄰為伴周邊外交方針深化同周邊國家關(guān)系，秉持正確義利觀(guān)和真實(shí)親誠理念加強同發(fā)展中國家團結合作。中國推動(dòng)共建“一帶一路”走深走實(shí)，與其他國家加強交流合作、共享發(fā)展機遇，“一帶一路”成為廣受歡迎的國際公共產(chǎn)品。

當今世界，民主平等、公平正義遠未實(shí)現。少數國家漠視國際公理、踐踏國際準則、違背國際民意，公然侵犯他國主權，干涉他國內政，動(dòng)輒以大欺小、恃強凌弱，把“地球村”變成弱肉強食的原始叢林。面對充滿(mǎn)挑戰的世界，各國應大力弘揚民主精神，不論大小、強弱、貧富，在國際關(guān)系中一律平等。大國要有大國的樣子，要以人類(lèi)前途命運為要，對世界和平與發(fā)展擔負更大責任，而不是依仗實(shí)力搞唯我獨尊、霸凌霸道。世界的命運應由各國人民共同掌握，國際規則應由各國共同制定，全球事務(wù)應由各國共同治理，發(fā)展成果應由各國共同分享。

（四）加強文明交流互鑒

實(shí)現民主有多種方式，不可能千篇一律。人類(lèi)民主事業(yè)的真正阻礙，不是民主模式的差異，而是對他國民主探索的傲慢、偏見(jiàn)和敵視，是把本國民主模式強加于人的“唯我獨尊”。人類(lèi)政治文明的百花園之所以絢爛多彩，正是由于不同文明各有千秋。各國應堅持平等非歧視原則，相互尊重彼此的民主模式，既致力于本國探索，又加強交流互鑒；既各美其美，又美美與共，共同推動(dòng)人類(lèi)文明向前發(fā)展。

“一人一票”是民主的一種形式，但絕非民主的唯一和全部。長(cháng)期以來(lái)，民主本義被少數國家異化歪曲，“一人一票”、政黨競爭等西方選舉制度被包裝成民主的唯一標準。少數國家把民主作為政治工具，以同我即對、非我即錯的霸權思維，以民主名義干涉別國內政、侵犯別國主權、服務(wù)自身政治目的，打著(zhù)民主旗號在世界上煽動(dòng)對抗與分裂，加劇國際緊張局勢，成為世界亂源。人類(lèi)文明要繼續向前邁進(jìn)，各國要實(shí)現和平共處、共同發(fā)展，必須探索民主真諦，把民主擦亮。

政黨是現代國家治理中的重要主體，是推動(dòng)人類(lèi)社會(huì )進(jìn)步的重要力量。在人類(lèi)文明發(fā)展的歷史潮流中，各國政黨應本著(zhù)對人類(lèi)前途命運高度負責的態(tài)度，擔當起引領(lǐng)推動(dòng)人類(lèi)民主事業(yè)發(fā)展的責任，以民為本，開(kāi)放包容，求同存異，相互尊重，更好實(shí)現本國民主發(fā)展，更好實(shí)現人民幸福。中國共產(chǎn)黨愿繼續同各國政黨和政治組織一道，深化交流，加強互鑒，共同促進(jìn)人類(lèi)社會(huì )發(fā)展進(jìn)步。

V. A New Model of Democracy

Democracy is a political form that has taken shape over the course of thousands of years. It has played a significant role in human development. Since the onset of the 20th century, democracy has made little progress in some countries, and others have found themselves in a state of turmoil and even have split apart. Today's world is facing challenges of excessive democracy, democracy implemented in great haste, democratic deficit and fading democracy. What has happened to democracy? Does it still work? The answers to these questions will influence world peace and development and the future of all civilizations. There is nothing wrong with democracy per se. Some countries have encountered setbacks and crises in their quest for democracy only because their approach was wrong.

In promoting democracy, China has undergone a difficult process of selection, experimentation, practice and development. China has created and developed whole-process people's democracy in line with its national conditions. This is a form of democracy with distinctive Chinese features which at the same time reflects humanity's universal desire for democracy. It has fueled the development of the country and driven the revitalization of the nation. It has contributed a new model to the international political spectrum.

1. Exploring New Paths to Democracy

It is extremely important, yet also very difficult, for a country on the road to modernization to promote democracy while ensuring political stability and social progress.

China did not follow the established path of Western countries in its modernization drive. Similarly, China did not duplicate Western models of democracy, but created its own. Now, the entire Chinese population, almost one fifth of the world's total, enjoys extensive rights and freedoms. This is most encouraging to developing countries and greatly enhances their confidence in developing their own democracy. China's new approach to democracy represents a significant contribution to international politics and human progress.

The original aspiration of China's democracy was to ensure the people's status as masters of the country. China's path to democracy has been rocky and tortuous. Nevertheless, the nation has remained unshaken in its determination to pursue democracy based on its original aspiration. In today's China, the goal of ensuring the people's status as masters of the country has grown richer in content, wider in channels, and greater in impact, driving democracy in China onward.

An accurate understanding and a determination to forge ahead are preconditions and the key for realizing, developing, and enriching democracy. A sound and genuine democracy must allow the people to become masters of the country. It must allow them to enjoy the right to stand for election, the right to vote, and the right to extensive participation. It must allow them the right to express their expectations and the right to have those expectations fulfilled. It must allow them the right to contribute to national development and the right to share the fruits of development.

2. Following the Most Suitable Path to Democracy

Democracy is rich in form, and there are many ways to achieve it. Countries with different histories, cultures and national conditions may choose different forms of democracy. Blindly copying other models of democracy is a problematic endeavor – it risks creating cultural conflict, political volatility or even social turmoil and causing great pain to its people.

It is of vital importance for China to choose a path to democracy suited to a vast country with a large population. China draws on each and every political achievement of other countries, but does not imitate any of their models of democracy. China welcomes all constructive suggestions and well-intentioned criticism, but rejects any form of overbearing lecture. China must devise the most suitable form of democracy in accordance with its characteristics and realities – a basic principle China adheres to for developing democracy.

As a populous country long plagued by weak economic foundations, China strives to strike a balance between democracy and development. The priority always rests with development, which is facilitated by democracy and in turn boosts the development of democracy. China has never indulged in empty talk on democracy regardless of a country's development stage.

Always drawing wisdom and strength from its 5,000-year-old culture and fine traditions, and based on a correct understanding of its current development stage and its economic and social conditions, China has made active and prudent efforts to advance democracy. To avoid fatal errors, it never seeks unrealistic goals or over-extends itself in pursuit of quick success. Instead, it focuses on identifying and resolving each and every problem, and presses ahead with democracy step by step to make the system more mature and well-defined.

There are no identical political systems in the world, neither is there a political model that fits all. Countries can borrow from the successful experience of others and develop forms of democracy suited to their own modernization process, but they should not simply duplicate other systems or models. The model that suits best is always the most appropriate. Only democracy rooted in a country's unique social environment has proven to be reliable and effective, and can thrive and progress. External interference and "democratic transformation" bring nothing but endless trouble. China never seeks to export the Chinese model of democracy, nor does it allow any external force to change the Chinese model under any circumstances. It firmly supports the independent choice by every country of its own path to democracy, and opposes any interference in others' internal affairs on the pretext of "bringing democracy".

3. Promoting Democracy in International Relations

Democracy manifests itself in two dimensions: On a national level, it refers to the people's status as masters of their own country; on an international level, it refers to the democratic relations between nations.

A country's dignity should be respected, and its sovereignty, security and development interests are inviolable. To judge other countries by one's own yardstick, or force them to duplicate one's own political system or democratic model through color revolution or the threat of force are undemocratic in themselves.

China is a faithful and exemplary actor in pursuing, exploring and practicing democracy. It endeavors to increase democracy both within its own territory and between nations. At a time of momentous change of a scale unseen in a century, China champions peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit. China proposes to build a global community of shared future, and presses for a new model of international relations based on mutual respect, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation. At a time of intense global competition in the economic, scientific, technological and other fields, China regards other countries as partners rather than rivals – it does not engage in cold war, confrontation, control or manipulation, but rather promotes mutually beneficial exchanges and cooperation.

China has actively developed global partnerships. It works to establish a framework of major-country relations that is generally stable and balanced. In developing relations with neighboring countries, it applies the principles of amity, sincerity, inclusiveness, mutual benefit, and the policy of promoting friendly and neighborly ties. In strengthening cooperation with other developing countries, China pursues the greater good and shared interests, and applies the principles of sincerity, affinity, good faith and real results. China has strengthened exchanges and cooperation with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative and shared the gains with them, expanding the initiative into more regions and turning it into a well-received global public good.

The present world is far from fair and just, equal and democratic. A small number of countries ignore international law, flout international justice, disdain international public opinion, flagrantly infringe upon the sovereignty of other countries, and interfere with others' internal affairs. They frequently abuse and dictate to smaller and weaker countries, turning the "global village" into a primeval jungle where the strong prey on the weak. In a world confronted by challenges, all countries, large or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are equals, and should uphold the principle of democracy in international relations. Powerful countries should behave as befits their status, make the future of humanity their priority, and shoulder greater responsibility for world peace and development, rather than wielding their power in pursuit of supremacy or hegemony. The future of the world should rest in the hands of all peoples of the world. International rules should be made by all countries, global affairs should be governed by all parties, and the fruits of development should be shared by all.

4. Increasing Exchanges and Mutual Learning Between Civilizations

There is no single road to democracy. The true barrier to democracy lies not in different models of democracy, but in arrogance, prejudice and hostility towards other countries' attempts to explore their own paths to democracy, and in assumed superiority and the determination to impose one's own model of democracy on others.

Political systems vary from civilization to civilization, and each has its own strengths. All countries should uphold the principle of nondiscrimination, respect others' models of democracy, share experience with others, explore their own paths, and contribute their due share to human progress.

One Person, One Vote is a democratic principle, but it is by no means the only principle, nor does it of itself create democracy. However, it has long been misinterpreted and its meaning distorted by a small number of countries. The principles of One Person, One Vote and party competition underlying the Western electoral system are propagated by them as the sole criterion for democracy. A handful of countries exploit democracy as a political tool. Adopting the hegemonic mindset that "whoever disagrees with me is wrong", they interfere in the internal affairs of others in the name of democracy, and infringe on their sovereignty to serve their own political interests. They also incite antagonism and secession on the pretext of "bringing democracy", causing endless instability in many parts of the world and aggravating international tensions. To advance human progress and achieve peaceful coexistence and common development, all countries must understand and promote genuine democracy.

Political parties in all countries are the major entities of modern governance and an important force for social progress. They should therefore assume their responsibility to spearhead democracy in pursuit of a shared future for humanity, and to achieve greater democracy in their own countries in pursuit of the greater wellbeing of their peoples. They should be open and inclusive, put people first, seek common ground while setting aside differences, and demonstrate mutual respect. The CPC is willing to work together with other political parties and political organizations around the world to increase exchanges, learn from each other, and promote human progress.

結束語(yǔ)

民主沒(méi)有最好，只有更好。人類(lèi)對民主的探索和實(shí)踐永無(wú)止境。

中國的民主發(fā)展取得了顯著(zhù)成就，同時(shí)，與現代化建設的新要求、與人民對民主的新期待相比，中國的民主還需要不斷發(fā)展完善。在全面建設社會(huì )主義現代化國家新征程上，中國共產(chǎn)黨將繼續高舉人民民主旗幟，始終堅持以人民為中心的發(fā)展思想，堅定不移推進(jìn)全過(guò)程人民民主，在不斷推動(dòng)人的全面發(fā)展、全體人民共同富裕中實(shí)現民主新發(fā)展，讓民主之樹(shù)根深葉茂、永遠常青。

當今世界，正處于百年未有之大變局，既充滿(mǎn)機遇和希望，也充滿(mǎn)風(fēng)險和挑戰。只有尊重各國人民自主選擇的民主道路，堅持和平發(fā)展，維護公平正義，拓展民主自由，提升人民幸福，才能匯聚全人類(lèi)文明發(fā)展的強大合力，共同邁向更加美好的明天。

文明因交流而多彩，文明因互鑒而豐富。中國人民愿同世界各國人民一道，弘揚和平、發(fā)展、公平、正義、民主、自由的全人類(lèi)共同價(jià)值，本著(zhù)相互尊重、求同存異的精神，共同豐富發(fā)展人類(lèi)政治文明，共同推動(dòng)構建人類(lèi)命運共同體。

Conclusion

There is always scope for improving the system of democracy. Humanity's quest for and experiments with greater democracy will never end.

China has achieved considerable progress in developing democracy; to meet the new requirements of modernization and the people's new expectations for democracy, China still needs to make further improvements. On the path towards comprehensive socialist modernization, the CPC will continue to uphold people's democracy, embrace the people-centered development philosophy, promote whole-process people's democracy, ensure the sound development of democracy, and pursue well-rounded human development and common prosperity for everyone.

Today's world is experiencing change on a scale unseen in a century. It can anticipate hopes and opportunities as well as risks and challenges. All paths to democracy chosen by the peoples themselves deserve proper respect. We should pursue peaceful development, safeguard fairness and justice, increase democracy and freedom, and improve the people's wellbeing. This is the only way to build synergy among all civilizations in the quest for a better future.

Civilizations are enriched by exchanges and mutual learning. The Chinese people are willing to work together with all other peoples around the world to carry forward the common values of humanity – peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom. In a spirit of mutual respect and following the principle of seeking common ground while setting aside differences, we will add new elements to the world's political structure and advance towards a global community of shared future together.

（注^①）八個(gè)民主黨派包括：中國國民黨革命委員會(huì )（簡(jiǎn)稱(chēng)“民革”）、中國民主同盟（簡(jiǎn)稱(chēng)“民盟”）、中國民主建國會(huì )（簡(jiǎn)稱(chēng)“民建”）、中國民主促進(jìn)會(huì )（簡(jiǎn)稱(chēng)“民進(jìn)”）、中國農工民主黨（簡(jiǎn)稱(chēng)“農工黨”）、中國致公黨（簡(jiǎn)稱(chēng)“致公黨”）、九三學(xué)社、臺灣民主自治同盟（簡(jiǎn)稱(chēng)“臺盟”）。

（注^②）新中國成立前，在抗日根據地、解放區的廣大農村，中國共產(chǎn)黨開(kāi)展了廣泛的民主選舉活動(dòng)。當時(shí)，絕大多數農民是文盲，為了讓他們都能參加選舉，中國共產(chǎn)黨使用了很多有創(chuàng )意的辦法，其中最為人所傳頌的就是“豆選”，即用豆子代替選票，選民只要把豆子投到代表自己想要選的候選人的碗里就可以了，最終以碗中豆子的多少決定誰(shuí)當選。當時(shí)，很多地方流傳著(zhù)這樣的歌謠：“金豆豆，銀豆豆，豆豆不能隨便投；選好人，辦好事，投在好人碗里頭?！?/span>

¹ The eight other political parties are the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang, the China Democratic League, the China National Democratic Construction Association, the China Association for Promoting Democracy, the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, the China Zhi Gong Party, the Jiusan Society, and the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League.

² Before the founding of the PRC, the CPC carried out extensive democratic elections across the countryside in the base areas of resistance against Japanese aggression and liberated rural areas under its leadership. Back then, the overwhelming majority of peasants were illiterate. The Party therefore introduced a series of innovative methods to enable those who could not read and write to exercise their right to vote in the elections. The most celebrated was called "bean voting", a method using beans as ballots. A voter only needed to cast a bean into the bowl for the candidate of whom he or she was in favor. The candidate who got more beans would win the election. At that time, a folk rhyme was prevalent in those places: "Beans roll, beans vote, beans go into the right bowls."