The comprehensive definition system features both a central leadership and power diversions to a certain extent. The system was designed to match the nation’s economic restructuring. It was an achievement with far reaching significance in China’s legal system reform.

Meanwhile, legislatures became stronger during this period:

First, standing committees of people’s congresses at all levels were enhanced. To date, the NPC Standing Committee co-exercises national legislative powers with the NPC. The NPC special committees work under the Standing Committee when the NPC is off session. All the people’s congresses above the county level have standing committees. Members of the congress standing committees, either national or local, are prohibited from taking positions with government institutions or judicial and procuratorial organs. They are supposed to gradually become full-time members in the committees.

Second, special committees and agencies have been set up under people’s congresses at various levels. Today, the NPC has nine special committees:

• The Legislative Work Committee
• The Committee for Ethnic Affairs
• The Financial and Economic Affairs Committee
• The Committee for Education, Science, Culture and Health
• The Committee of Foreign Affairs
• The Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee
• The Committee of Internal and Judicial Affairs
• The Committee of Environmental and Resources Protection
• The Committee for Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Even more may be found to do research on; examine and draw up legislations.

Meanwhile, people’s congresses of provinces and autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government, autonomous prefectures and cities large enough to have districts are permitted to set up their own special committees. These committees function locally like their counterparts at the central level. Special agencies under people’s congresses and their standing committees have been operating from the central down to local levels. The State Council and local governments have also established their legislative offices to play important roles in the nation’s legalization.

Third, the legislative operating mechanism was improved. The NPC and its Standing Committee adopted orders of procedures. So do their local counterparts. Laws have been enacted to regulate the exercise of legislative powers in law making. The Law on Legislation summarized and sealed the new operating mechanism.