Overview
China’s government is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which oversees all branches of power. The National People’s Congress (NPC) is the main lawmaking body, but it usually follows the CCP’s direction. When the NPC is not in session, its Standing Committee takes over. The State Council, led by the Premier, runs daily government work through ministries and local governments. The Central Military Commission controls the military (PLA). Courts and prosecutors handle legal matters but are limited in power. Local congresses exist across China, but the central government holds final authority over all decisions and institutions.