According to stipulations in the Organizational Law of the National People's Congress, deputies to the NPC are organized into delegations based upon their constituencies. Each delegation has a leader and deputy leaders. Before 1997, there were 32 delegations to the NPC including 31 from provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government) and one from the People's Liberation Army. In June 1997, Chongqing became the fourth municipality directly under the Central Government. On July 1, 1997, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was established and on December 20, 1999, the Macao Special Administrative Region was also established. Since then there have been 34 delegations to the NPC.

The responsibilities of the delegations:

1. Holding meetings before each session of the NPC to discuss issues in preparation of the sessions proposed by the Standing Committee; and

2. When the NPC is in session, reviewing various motions and bills and having their opinions voiced at the meetings of the presidium or plenary sessions of the NPC through delegation leaders or representatives elected.

The rights of the delegations:

1. A delegation may put forward to the NPC motions or bills involving issues falling within the power of the NPC;

2. A delegation may put forward in writing inquiries to the State Council and its various ministries and commissions; and

3. More than three delegations may jointly put forward, for reviewing by the NPC presidium, motions of removal of members composing the Standing Committee of the NPC, the president or vice president of the People's Republic of China, members of the State Council and the Central Military Commission, the president of the Supreme People's Court and the procurator-general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

Besides, when the NPC is in session, meetings of delegation leaders and the NPC presidium may decide to hold closed sessions apart from open sessions.

(China.org.cn May 20, 2003)