The Constitution of China was promulgated in 1982, and amended in 1988, 1993, 1999, 2004 and 2018 respectively. The latest revision entered into force on 11 March, 2018.

There are 143 articles in total. The Constitution is divided into five parts: Preamble, Chapter I General Principles, Chapter II The Fundamental Rights and Duties of Citizens, Chapter III The Structure of the State and Chapter IV The National Flag, the National Anthem, the National Emblem and the Capital.

The key points are as follows:

1. The socialist system is the basic system of the People’s Republic of China. The leadership of the Communist Party of China is the defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

2. The National People’s Congress and the local people’s congresses at various levels are the organs through which the people exercise state power.

3. 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.

4. Socialist public property is inviolable.

5. Citizens’ lawful private property is inviolable.

6. The State respects and preserves human rights.