"Practice is the ultimate litmus test for democracy in a political system and governance of a country. The effectiveness of China’s whole-process people’s democracy must be assessed in practice and decided by the people.
In this book, stories of democracy are presented by officials working at the primary level. Although they come from different regions and professional backgrounds, they are all participants in and witnesses of whole-process people’s democracy. Their stories are vivid, engaging, and convincing. Not only do they recount specific cases, but they also present valuable lessons, methods, and insights that can help further advance whole-process people’s democracy in the future. Through these stories, readers will come to understand that whole-process people’s democracy has brought about a strong sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security to the general public of China and has gained their heartfelt approval."

全过程人民民主是社会主义民主政治的本质属性，是最广泛、最真实、最管用的民主。全过程人民民主不仅体现在不断完善的制度程序上，而且也体现在人民群众对于政治生活和社会生活的参与实践中。基层民主是全过程人民民主的重要体现。基层民主设置了哪些因地制宜的制度程序来落实全过程人民民主？人民群众通过基层民主渠道提出哪些诉求并最终获得了什么？基层民主实践如何助力城市治理？本书由中国国家创新与发展战略研究会创始会长郑必坚主编，不同城市多位基层干部参与撰写，图文并茂地讲述他们亲身参与的基层民主实践故事，包括街道社区、乡村、“12345”市民服务热线等；此外，中国知名民主研究专家李君如对每一篇文章展开专家点评，提供更加丰富多层次的全过程人民民主解读。中文版将配相关民主点评的二维码，丰富阅读体验。

Preface/Zheng Bijian

Chapter One Starting from Shanghai：Democratic Stories Behind the Rainbow Bridge / 3
Latest Updates from the Birthplace of Whole-Process People’s Democracy / 5
Establishing Consultation Councils for a Collaborative Business Community / 13

Chapter Two Beijing’s Stories：Listening to People’s Voices and Garnering Their Opinions / 21
“Message Board for Leaders” for Observing China’s Democracy / 23
Calling 12345 for Immediate Solutions to People’s Concerns / 31
Residents’ Matters Discussed and Resolved by All Involved / 39

Chapter Three From Sichuan to Chongqing： Democracy Rooted in Courtyards and Sub-districts / 45
Courtyard Democracy for Promoting Self-Governance in Rural China / 47
Lao Ma Workstation’s Practical Solutions for Addressing Disputes / 57

Chapter Four Hunan’s Dynamics：Sparking Enthusiasm for Primary-Level Democracy / 65
Flat Governance for Fulfilling People’s Aspirations / 67
Public Mediation for Community Dispute Resolution / 75

Chapter Five Guangdong’s Approach： Comprehensive Democracy Across All Sectors / 83
The “10th Workstations” for Enhancing Primary-Level Governance / 85
CPPCC Workstations for Engaging the Community and Energizing Responsibilities / 95
Seven-Step Work Method for Improving People’s Wellbeing / 103
“Co-Creation Council” for Bringing the Historic Street Back to Life / 109
QR Codes Connecting Citizens and Government / 117
An “Invisible” Sewage Plant / 125

Chapter Six Zhejiang’s Initiative：Democracy in Its Most Genuine and Effective Form / 133
Three-Way Decision-Making Mechanism for Innovative Consultation / 135
Digital Empowerment for a More Dynamic People’s Democracy / 145

Chapter Seven Revisiting Shanghai：Democracy That Fosters a Sense of Happiness and Security / 153
The “Good-Neighborly Gate” Created Through Public Participation / 155
A Thriving Habitat Garden Built on Residents’ Collaboration / 161

Conclusion Whole-Process People’s Democracy Ensures that the People Run the Country / 167

Afterword / 169