This book analyzes the development of Chinese local people's congresses (LPCs) in the reform era (1979 onwards). It explores the dynamics behind this development and the role LPCs play in legal-political reform in China. Changes to LPCs are examined in the following areas: national laws and local regulations concerning the LPC system, organization and operation of the LPCs and their standing committees, elections for deputies at both direct and indirect level, and the activities of deputies, including deputy-voter interactions. For readers who are interested in Chinese politics, this book provides an explanation and an observation framework for China's political-legal changes.It also contributes to the literature of comparative legislative studies, especially studies on legislatures in third world or authoritarian regimes.