China's Constitution was adopted by the Fifth Session of the Fifth National People's Congress on Dec 4, 1982. The People's Republic of China is a socialist state and a dictatorship of the people based on an alliance of workers and peasants. The National People's Congress and the local people's congresses at all levels are elected democratically and are responsible to the people. These congresses create all administrative and judicial organs. Local congresses may take the initiative to run their own affairs under the leadership of central authorities.
All nationalities are equal.
The state fosters the economic and cultural development of minorities in accordance with the specific needs of each group. The economic system is based on socialist public ownership. The leading force in the economy is the state economy, which is under the ownership of the whole people. The state undertakes economic planning on the basis of public ownership. The state also encourages the growth of urban and rural collectives.