Selective Openness: An Evaluation on Open-Door Legislation in China

Abstract

It is a common practice that the National People’s Congress releases law drafts to the society to solicit opinions. Such practice is called open door legislation. Based on cases and interviews, this paper examines whether and how the national legislature takes lawmaking advices from the general public. It finds that the transparency and openness in PRC national lawmaking is selective or strategic. On one hand, in the field of economic affairs and social welfares, the Party state listens to the general public, on the other hand, in more political related issues, the public participation hardly make a real impact.