Experiencing the Pulse of Democracy: A Report on Students from Tongji University's School of Political Science and International Relations Participating in the "Walk into the People's Congress" Event

To deepen young university students' understanding of the system of the People's Congress, inspire patriotism and civic awareness, and enhance political literacy and enthusiasm for political participation, the Publicity Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress and Tongji University's School of Political Science and International Relations jointly organized a simulated deliberation activity titled "Walk into the People's Congress" on November 5, 2024. With great interest and respect for China's political system and democratic rule of law, students from the School of Political Science and International Relations at Tongji University visited the Shanghai Municipal Government and participated in a simulation of a Standing Committee meeting of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress. The event was led by Professor Zhong Zhenming, Vice Dean of the School, and organized by Cen Yuwei from the Student Affairs Office, with participation from several faculty members and undergraduate and graduate students.

First, under the guidance of staff, the participating faculty and students entered the Shanghai Municipal Government in an orderly manner. Led by a guide, they toured an exhibition featuring a wealth of photographs and artifacts that vividly showcased Shanghai's remarkable achievements in economic, political, and cultural development since the 1990s. The exhibit not only provided participants with a more intuitive understanding of the city's rich historical and cultural heritage and its developmental accomplishments but also allowed them to deeply feel Shanghai's progressive spirit and its role as a pioneer of the times.

Subsequently, the group proceeded to the fourth-floor conference hall of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress. Li Guolin, Deputy Director of the Publicity Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress, gave a concise and engaging explanation of the procedures for convening People's Congress meetings, the responsibilities of deputies, and the significant role of the People's Congress system in China's political life. This session gave participants a deeper understanding of key concepts related to the People's Congress, as well as the processes of its meetings and Standing Committee sessions.

Next came the highlight of the event: a simulated deliberation session of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress. Students acted as "members of the People's Congress," taking on roles such as government representatives, representatives of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress, the chairperson of the Standing Committee, and the meeting host. They deliberated on the "Draft Amendment to the Shanghai Regulations on Promoting the Development of an International Financial Center" and its explanatory document. Drawing on their political science knowledge, they expressed their opinions and participated in a collective vote. This hands-on experience not only gave students a deeper understanding of the legislative deliberation process but also sparked their interest in political affairs, enhancing their practical political skills and participation abilities.

As a platform for strengthening ideological and political education, the "Walk into the People's Congress" activity effectively combined theory and practice. It guided faculty and students to deepen their understanding of the People's Congress system and enabled them to grasp more profoundly the importance of this fundamental political system in China. At the same time, the students broadened their horizons, gained knowledge, and experienced the critical role of the People's Congress system in ensuring that the people are the masters of the country and in upholding social fairness and justice. Many participants expressed that they would take this activity as an opportunity to further strengthen their studies, enhance their professional knowledge of political science, and improve their overall abilities, striving to become aspiring, responsible, and capable young people in the new era.