The essence of people's democracy and its embodiment in the constitution were discussed. It emphasized that the people are the ultimate source of state power, exercising it through elected representatives while supervising and constraining its exercise. After the founding of New China, the Communist Party of China led the establishment of a people's democratic socialist state, with the principle of people's democracy enshrined in the constitution and guaranteed by fundamental law.

I. The Debut of People's Democracy—The First General Election in New China

The historical significance and implementation of New China's first general election were introduced. In 1953, New China held its first nationwide election, marking the beginning of people's democracy. The electoral process started with the election of grassroots people's representatives, gradually progressing to elect representatives at all levels, up to the National People's Congress. This election was a true universal suffrage, allowing the broad masses to fully exercise their right to be masters of the country. The design and distribution of voter certificates reflected the formality and importance of the election, with handwritten information in ink brushes remaining legible even after more than half a century. During the election, propagandists explained its significance to villagers, even giving names to women who previously had none, highlighting its role in elevating women's status. For illiterate voters, flexible voting methods such as raising hands, secret ballots, and "bean voting" were adopted at the grassroots level, ensuring the democratic rights of the broadest electorate. This nationwide election greatly galvanized the enthusiasm of the people to participate in the construction of New China's political power.

II. The Preparation for People's Democratic Constitution-Making—The Democratic Context of New China's First Constitution

The democratic context of New China's first constitution was elaborated in detail. First, the legal basis for New China's first general election and the importance of democratic preparation were introduced. Second, the adoption of the Common Program and the establishment of the People's Congress system laid the foundation for drafting the constitution. Third, the promulgation of the Electoral Law and the implementation of the first general election reflected broad democratic participation. Finally, it emphasized that the adoption of the constitution by the National People's Congress marked the establishment of a people's democratic government and the realization of the people's role as masters of the country.

III. A Democratic Constitution Safeguards People's Democracy—The Democratic Value of China's Constitution

The democratic value of China's constitution was explored, emphasizing the importance of actual public participation in its democratic principles. By reviewing the drafting process of the "1954 Constitution," its substantive democratic value was demonstrated, including soliciting broad opinions, nationwide discussions, and the incorporation of amendments. The current "1982 Constitution" inherited the democratic principles of the "1954 Constitution," reflected in the People's Congress system and the protection of citizens' fundamental rights. The report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China proposed whole-process people's democracy, requiring the constitution to guarantee the people's comprehensive and full participation in national political and social life. Through five amendments, the current constitution provides fundamental legal safeguards for whole-process democracy, including the development and improvement of the People's Congress system, the expansion of the patriotic united front, the constitutional commitment to respecting and protecting human rights, and provisions for the democratic exercise of state power and democratic self-governance systems. These measures collectively advance the high-quality development of socialist democracy in China.