China's Constitution, as its preamble states, is the fundamental law of the state and has supreme legal authority. As such, it plays an important role in the cause of the Communist Party and the country. This year, the legislature adopted landmark amendments during the political season in March. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era was enshrined in the Constitution, as was a NATIONAL supervisory commission. CGTN's Hou Na takes a look at the legislative changes.

The first amendment proposal for the Constitution in 14 years. The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China wrote Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era into the Constitution. Major theoretical achievements, principles and policies adopted at the 19th CPC National Congress were also incorporated. And reform in China's national supervision body was stressed to strengthen the Party and self-discipline.

The current Chinese Constitution was adopted in 1982. It's been amended 4 times. The first permitted the private sector of the economy to exist and develop. The second amendment replaced practices of the previous planned economy with a socialist market economy. The third clarified the principle of governing the country under the rule of law. The last emphasized protecting citizens' lawful private property. Principles for the current amendment, include upholding CPC leadership, a path of justice of socialism with Chinese characteristics, a correct political stance, strict legal guidance and procedures, and a full democracy.

HOU NA SUPREME PEOPLE'S COURT, BEIJING "This is where the judges from the Supreme People's Court took an oath of allegiance to the Constitution. Here they took an oath of allegiance to the Constitution and vow to safeguard the constitution's authority and strictly abide by its principles when dealing with cases."

Another important move was to raise people's awareness of the Constitution. In 2014, the NPC Standing Committee passed a decision designating December 4th as Constitution Day. The history of the development of China's Constitution shows the history of China's modern development. It is widely believed by legal experts that it's the Constitution that has guaranteed and promoted the country's development over the past 40 years. HOU NA, CGTN, BEIJING.