The NPC possesses the following functions and powers:

(1) to amend the Constitution;

An amendment of the Constitution can be proposed by the Standing Committee of the NPC or by a body made up of more than one-fifth of the deputies to the NPC. A proposal to amend the Constitution can only be adopted once passed by a majority of no less than two-thirds of the deputies to the NPC.

(2) to supervise the enforcement of the Constitution;

(3) to enact and amend basic laws governing criminal offences, civil affairs, state organs and other matters;

(4) to elect the President and the Vice President of the People's Republic of China;

(5) to select the candidate for Premier of the State Council upon nomination by the President, and to select the candidates for the Vice Premiers, State Councilors, Ministers in charge of Ministries or Commissions, the Auditor-General and the Secretary-general of the State Council respectively, upon nomination by the Premier;

(6) to elect the Chairman of the Central Military commission and, upon nomination by the Chairman, to select all other members of the Central Military Commission;

(7) to elect the President of the Supreme People's Court;

(8) to elect the Procurator-General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate;

(9) to Examine and approve the plan for national economic and social development and to report on its implementation;

(10) to Examine and approve the state budget and to report on its implementation;

(11) to alter or annul inappropriate decisions of the Standing Committee of the NPC;

(12) to approve the establishment of provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the control of the Central Government;

(13) to decide on the establishment of special administrative regions and the systems to be instituted there;

(14) to decide on questions of war and peace;

(15) to carry out such other functions and powers deemed suitable for the highest organ of State power to exercise.

(16) The NPC also possesses the right to remove the following functionaries:

1) The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the People's Republic of China;

2) The Premier of the State Council, the Vice Premiers, State Councilors, Ministers in charge of the ministries or commissions, the Auditor-General and the Secretary-General of the State Council;

3) The Chairman, Vice Chairman and other members of the Central Military Commission;

4) The President of the Supreme People's Court;

5) The Procurator-General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate.