drafted by the 1st National People's Congress

“ The system of people's democracy–new democracy–of the People's Republic of China guarantees that China can in a peaceful way banish exploitation and poverty and build a prosperous and happy socialist society.
From the founding of the People's Republic of China to the attainment of a socialist society is a period of transition. During the transition the fundamental task of the state is, step by step, to bring about the socialist industrialization of the country and, step by step, to accomplish the socialist transformation of agriculture, handicrafts and capitalist industry and commerce. ”

“ The organs of self-government of all autonomous regions, autonomous chou and autonomous counties are formed in accordance with the basic principles governing the organization of local organs of state as specified in Section IV of Chapter Two of the Constitution. The form of each organ of self-government may be determined in accordance with the wished of the majority of the people of the nationality or nationalities enjoying regional autonomy in a given area. ”

“ China's policy of establishing and extending diplomatic relations with all countries on the principle of equality, mutual benefit and mutual respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, which has already yielded success, will continue to be carried out. In international affairs our firm and consistent policy is to strive for the noble cause of world peace and the progress of humanity. ”

“ In the last few years our people have successfully carried out a series of large-scale struggles: the reform of the agrarian system, resistance to American aggression and aid to Korea, the suppression of counter-revolutionaries and the rehabilitation of then national economy. ”

“ The state ensures priority for the development of the state sector of the economy. All mineral resources and waters, as well as forests, undeveloped land and other resources which the state owns by law, are the property of the whole people. ”

“ The Supreme People's Court supervises the judicial work of local people's courts and special people's courts; people's courts at higher levels supervise the judicial work of people's courts at lower levels. ”

“ The state protects the right of citizens to own lawfully-earned incomes, savings, houses and other means of life. Article 12. The state protects the right of citizens to inherit private property according to law. ”