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Module 22 Life
Exploring Hong
andKong Government
Society Socialand I
Systems & Citizenship
1
Module 22
Hong Kong Government and I
Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Module 22 Hong Kong Government and I
2
Module Explorer
On 1 July 2017, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the inauguration

ceremony of the fifth-term Government of the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region(HKSAR) and administered the oath-taking of the new
Chief Executive (CE) Carrie Lam and the principal officials of the
government. A five-year term of office officially commenced after the oath-
taking sessions.
The photos below show the oath-taking sessions, where members of the
new government pledged to uphold the Basic Law of the HKSAR of the PRC,
bear allegiance to the HKSAR of the PRC, serve the HKSAR conscientiously,
dutifully, in full accordance with the law, honestly and with integrity, and be
held accountable to the Central People’s Government of the PRC and the
HKSAR.

3
Module Explorer
1 What oaths did the new CE and the principal officials take during the
inauguration ceremony? Who administered their oaths?
2 Why are the principal officials of each term of the HKSAR

Government sworn in by officials of the Central People’s
Government?
3 How do the arrangement of the inauguration ceremony and the

oaths taken by the CE and principal officials reflect the relationship
between the HKSAR and the Central People’s Government? Where
does the source of power of the HKSAR Government come from?

4
Key Point 1 Decision-making process of the government
1.1 Source of power of the HKSAR
v The Basic Law states that Hong Kong ‘shall be a local

administrative region of the People’s Republic of China, which
shall enjoy a high degree of autonomy and come directly under
the Central People’s Government’.
v The social unrest caused by the ‘extradition bill protests’ in June

2019 had serious impact on the HKSAR political system.

5
v To ensure the implementation of the principle of ‘one country, two

systems’ in Hong Kong, the NPC adopted the Decision of the
National People’s Congress on Improving the Electoral System of
the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the Decision). The
Standing Committee of the NPC (NPCSC) was authorised to
amend Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law in accordance with
the fundamental principles of the Decision.

6
v Pursuant to Article 7 of the Decision, the HKSAR Government

amended the relevant local legislation according to the Decision
and the amended Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law, and
organised and regulated the relevant election activities in
accordance with the law so as to implement the principle of
‘patriots administering Hong Kong’.

7
What is the philosophy of governing Hong Kong set out

in the Constitution and the Basic Law?
± Articles extracted from the Constitution

8
± Articles extracted from the Basic Law

9
± Articles extracted from the Basic Law (cont’d)

10
± Articles extracted from the Basic Law (cont’d)

11
1 According to the Preamble and the articles of the General

Principles in the Basic Law, explain the principle under which
China established the HKSAR.
Answer China established the HKSAR under the principle of ‘one
country, two systems’. The socialist system and policies shall
not be practised in the HKSAR, and the previous capitalist
system and way of life shall remain unchanged for 50 years.

12
2 How do the General Principles of the Basic Law explain the

philosophy of governing Hong Kong – ‘Hong Kong people
administering Hong Kong’ and ‘high degree of autonomy’?
Answer
The executive authorities and legislature of the
Hong Kong Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall
people
be composed of permanent residents of Hong
administering
Kong.
Hong Kong

13
Answer
The NPC authorises the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region to exercise a high degree of
High degree autonomy and enjoy executive, legislative and
of autonomy independent judicial power, including that of final
adjudication.

14
3 According to the Constitution and the Basic Law, what is the

relationship between the HKSAR and the Central People’s
Government? What impact does this have on the system in place
in the HKSAR?
Answer The HKSAR comes directly under the Central People’s
Government. They form a central-local relationship.
The systems instituted in special administrative regions shall,
in light of specific circumstances, be prescribed by laws
enacted by the NPC.

15
4 According to the Basic Law, what is the source of power of the

HKSAR?
Answer It comes from the authorisation of the Central People’s
Government / the NPC.

16

17
How does Hong Kong realise ‘Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong’,
‘high degree of autonomy’ and ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’?
According to the Basic Law, which of the following aspects can be handled
independently by the HKSAR Government? Which of them have to depend on
the decision of the Central People’s Government?

18
Central Evidence from

HKSAR
Answer Aspect People’s related articles of
Government
Government the Basic Law
Holding District Section 5,
ü
Council elections Chapter IV
External affairs ü Chapter VII
Military and
ü Chapter II
defence

19

HKSAR
Government
Appointment of
Article 45, Section 1,
the Chief ü
Chapter IV
Executive
Election of the
President of Article 71, Section 3,
ü
the Legislative Chapter IV
Council

20

HKSAR
Government
Appointment of
the Chief Justice Article 90, Section 4,
ü
of the Court of Chapter IV
Final Appeal
Formulating
ü Article 110, Section 1,
monetary and
Chapter V
financial policies

21

HKSAR
Government
Interpretation and
Articles 158 and
amendment of the ü
159, Chapter VIII
Basic Law

22
The Basic Law states the source of power of the HKSAR and its
relationship with the Central People’s Government:
v The NPC of the PRC authorises the HKSAR to implement a high
degree of autonomy according to the Basic Law. The HKSAR
enjoys executive power, legislative power, independent judicial
power, including that of final adjudication.
v The HKSAR is a local administrative

region of the PRC, which shall enjoy a
high degree of autonomy and come
directly under the Central People’s
Government.

23
The Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National

Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the National
Security Law):
v It was enacted for the full and accurate implementation of the
principles of ‘one country, two systems’, ‘Hong Kong people
administering Hong Kong’ and a high degree of autonomy in Hong
Kong.
v It was made in accordance with the Constitution of the People’s

Republic of China, the Basic Law and the Decision of the National
People’s Congress on Establishing and Improving the Legal System
and Enforcement Mechanisms for the HKSAR to Safeguard National
Security (the General Principles of the National Security Law).
24
The National Security Law:

v It specifies the duties and the government bodies of the HKSAR
for safeguarding national security.
v It aims to prevent, suppress, and impose punishment for offences

endangering national security in the HKSAR.
v It also aims to maintain prosperity and stability in the HKSAR, and

protect the lawful rights and interests of HKSAR residents.

25
v According to the National Security Law, the HKSAR shall establish

the Committee for Safeguarding National Security, chaired by the CE.
The Committee shall assume primary responsibility for safeguarding
national security in the HKSAR.
v The Committee shall have a National Security Adviser, who shall be

designated by the Central People’s Government and provide advice
on matters related to the duties and functions of the Committee.
v The National Security Law also stipulates that the Police Force of the
HKSAR shall establish a department for safeguarding national
security, and that the Department of Justice of the HKSAR shall
establish a specialised prosecution division.

26

27
1.2 Decision-making authorities of the HKSAR Government
The powers and functions of the Chief Executive (CE):

v To be responsible for the implementation of the Basic Law and
other laws which, in accordance with the Basic Law, apply in the
HKSAR.
v To decide on government policies and to issue executive orders.

28
Executive Council (ExCo):

v Pursuant to the Basic Law, the ExCo shall be an organ for assisting
the CE in policymaking.
v Members of the ExCo shall include the CE (the President), existing

principal officials appointed under the Accountability System (official
members) and non-official figures (non-official members).
v The CE shall consult the ExCo before making important policy

decisions.
v Members of the ExCo tender their advice individually, but the ExCo’s
conclusions are presented as collective decisions.

29
Executive Authorities:
v The HKSAR Government is led by the CE. There are three
Secretaries (Chief Secretary for Administration, Financial Secretary
and Secretary for Justice) and 13 bureaux, which are responsible for
formulating and implementing policies.
v Various government departments and organs are established under

each bureau for policy execution.

30
± The organisational chart of the HKSAR Government

31
The powers and functions of the Chief Secretary for Administration:

v Assisting the CE in supervising the bureaux as directed by him/her
and ensuring co-ordination in policy formulation and implementation.
v Covering specific priority areas of the CE’s policy agenda.

The powers and functions of the Financial Secretary:
v Assisting the CE in overseeing policy formulation and implementation
of financial, monetary, economic, trade and development as well as
innovation and technology matters.
The powers and functions of the Secretary for Justice:
v Providing legal advice to the HKSAR Government.

32
Major functions and powers of the Legislative Council (LegCo) include:

v Enact, amend or repeal laws in accordance with the provisions of
the Basic Law and legal procedures.
v Examine and approve budgets introduced by the government.
v Raise questions on the government’s work and debate any issue

concerning public interests.
± The Council meets in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex

33
1.3 The decision-making process of the government

v Major steps and procedures of the decision-making process
There is a social The government drafts The government
problem the government initial plans and consults proposes a detailed
needs to solve the public plan after considering
public opinion
Legislation
The LegCo examines, is needed
The Chief Executive
The bill is passed to
debates and votes and the Executive
the the LegCo
on the bill Council examine and
approve the proposal
Legislation is not needed
A bill becomes a law Government
after going through three The proposal becomes
departments execute
readings and is passed a government policy
the policies and laws

34
Decision-making process: The case of the legislation of the Smoking

(Public Health) (Amendment) Bill 2019
± Info. 1: Background of the legislation of the Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Bill 2019

35
± Info. 2: Responses of various sectors in society about the Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Bill 2019

36

37

38
± Info. 3: Background of the passage of Improving Electoral System (Consolidated Amendments) Bill 2021

39
1 Analyse the following questions with reference to Info. 1 and 2. Put

the results of your analysis in the table below.
(a) Which stakeholders were involved in the formulation and
legislation of the Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Bill
2019?
(b) What actions and responses did they take in the process,
trying to influence the enactment and passage of the bill?

40
Individual and
organisation Response and action
involved
Answer
Consulting the public, promoting the Bill, officials
introducing the Bill to the public, persuading
political parties and interest groups, responding
HKSAR to questions and demands during the discussion
Government of the bill,
debating with leaders of political parties, etc.

41
Individual and
involved
Answer
Responding to government’s consultation,
Industrial and gathering and submitting opinions of their sectors,
commercial sending representatives to attend public forums,
sectors / printing leaflets and putting advertisements or
Professional declarations in newspapers to express the
sector stance of their sectors, etc.

42
Individual and
involved
Answer
Raising questions and demands during the
discussion of the bill, gathering and submitting
Political parties opinions of different stakeholders,
and Legislative sending representatives to attend public forums,
Council printing leaflets and putting advertisements or
members
declarations in newspapers to express the
stance of their sectors, etc.

43
Individual and
involved
Answer
Responding to government’s consultation

documents, expressing opinions through
making calls to the radio or getting opinions
Citizens
published in newspapers, participating in public
forums, attending processions, demonstrations
and petitions, etc.

44
2 Different people and organisations in society have been actively

expressing their opinions and responses. How does it help the
government make decisions?
Answer This allows the government and decision-making officials to have
a more comprehensive understanding of stakeholders’ concern,
view, worries and expectations on the Bill. The government can
then put stakeholders’ opinions into consideration when it
formulates or amends the Bill. The decision-making can better
meet stakeholders’ expectations.
(Or other possible answers)

45
3 According to Info. 1, 2 and 3, and with reference to the input and

output model below, compare and contrast the legislative processes
of (a) the Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Bill 2019 and
(b) the Improving Electoral System (Consolidated Amendments) Bill
2021. Fill in the blanks with the correct information.

46

47
Answer
a. Formulated by the relevant policy bureau and proposed by
Policy Address
the CE in the _______________.
b. After the NPC passed the decision to amend a bill, the

Standing Committee of the NPC (NPCSC) was
___________________________________
authorized to enact the bill. Then the Chief
_________________
Executive (CE)
issued a statement to put forward local legislation.

48
Similarities:
Answer
• The relevant policy bureau drafted the bill.

promoted the policies, and
• The Government ________
________________________________________________
persuaded, consulted and collected opinions from the public
and stakeholders.
________________________________________________
• The Chief Executive decided the policies in consultation with

the Executive Council (ExCo) .Then the Government
drafted the bills.
_______________.

49
Answer
Similarities:
• The Government published the bills in the Gazette. The CE
attended the Question and Answer sessions at the LegCo.
• The bills were examined, debated and voted upon in the

LegCo.

50
Differences:
• The legislation of the Improving Electoral System
(Consolidated Amendments) Bill 2021 had to be completed
within a short period of time, so there was no extensive
consultation. Only the directors of different bureau explained
the details of the Bill to the relevant sectors.

51
Answer
Differences:
• During the legislation of the Improving Electoral System
(Consolidated Amendments) Bill 2021, the LegCo did not
form a Bills Committee to examine itafter it was passed on
Second Reading.

52
Answer
• The bills were passed after three readings.
• The CE signed the bill and announced the date of

enforcement of the legislation.

53
v The decision-making process of the HKSAR Government has the

following characteristics:

54
Key Point 2 Development of electoral system
2.1 Further development of the CE and LegCo elections

Voters
v An election is a decision-making process in which members of a
group vote for a candidate to fill a specific post.
v In society, citizens can elect the head of government and

members of the legislative body through
election. Citizens authorise these people to
formulate policies and participate in the
policy-making process in the legislature on
behalf of them.

55
v The LegCo passed the Improving Electoral System (Consolidated

Amendments) Bill 2021. It has brought about reforms of the CE
and LegCo elections to ensure the full application of the principle
of ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’ in the HKSAR.
v The Basic Law stipulates that the CE shall be

selected by election or through consultations
and be appointed by the Central People’s
Government.
Constitution

56
v According to the amended Annex I to the Basic Law, the method for the
selection of the CE of the HKSAR is as follows:
• Candidates for the office of the CE shall be nominated jointly by not less
than 188 Members of the Election Committee (EC), among whom the
number of members of each sector should not be less than 15.
• The EC shall elect the CE designate by secret ballot

on a one-personone-vote basis. The election of the
CE designate shall require a simple majority vote of
all the Members of the EC (i.e. more than
750 members).

57
What are the impacts of the changes in the selection method of the CE?
± Changes in the Election Committees for the Fifth-Term and Sixth-Term Chief Executive Elections

58
1 According to the hints in the table below, compare and contrast the
selection methods used in the Fifth-Term CE Election with the Sixth-Term.
Fifth-Term CE Sixth-Term CE Change /
Answer
Comparison
Election Election Impact
What organisation
An Election An Election It remains
was the CE selected Committee (EC). Committee (EC). unchanged.
by?
The number of
How many members members has increased
were there in the 1 200 1 500 with a broader spectrum
of members from
organisation? various sectors.

59

Answer
Comparison
They came from the They came from the The sectors were
industrial, commercial industrial, commercial reconstituted to
and financial sectors, and financial sectors, include members of
the professions, the the professions, the relevant national
Which sectors did political sector, the LegCo members, organisations, areas
labour, social services,
representatives of committees, etc,
the members come religious and other district organisations covering a wider
sectors. and other range of sectors.
from? organisations, HKSAR
deputies to the NPC,
HKSAR members of
the National Committee of the CPPCC and representatives
of Hong Kong members of relevant national organisations,
the grassroots, labour, religious and other sectors.

60

Answer
Comparison
Members were Members were Members
elected by either elected by elected in the
How were the eligible individual qualified current term of
or corporate corporate voters the EC were
members from voters in the from more sectors. more concerned
different sectors functional about the overall
constituencies. interest of their
elected?
respective
sectors.

61
The current term of the LegCo:

v Consists of 90 members returned by the Election Committee (EC),
functional constituencies and geographical constituencies through
direct elections. The term of office is four years.

62
± A schematic diagram of the composition of

the Seventh LegCo in 2022

63
According to the hints in the table below, compare and contrast the
formation methods used in the Sixth LegCo with the Seventh LegCo.
Answer Comparison Sixth LegCo Seventh LegCo

Number of
seats through 35 20
direct elections
Number of GCs 5 10

64
Comparison Sixth LegCo Seventh LegCo

• Must be 21 years of age or
over
• Must be both registered and

eligible to be registered as a
Eligibility for voter for a geographical
nomination as a constituency
candidate • Must not be disqualified
from being elected by virtue
of section 39 of the
Legislative Council
Ordinance

65

• Must have ordinarily resided • Must be nominated by no
in Hong Kong for 3 years less than 100 but no more
immediately preceding the than 200 electors of the
date of his/her nomination respective constituency.
Eligibility for • Must be a Chinese citizen • Must be nominated by no
nomination as a who is a permanent resident less than 2 but no more
of Hong Kong with no right than 4 members
candidate
of abode in any country representing each sector
other than the PRC of the EC.
• Must pass the qualification

assessment by the CERC.

66
Eligibility review To be carried out by the

Nil CERC
of candidates

67
2.2 Significance of improving the electoral system for

selecting the CE and for forming the LegCo on Hong
Kong’s social progress and national security
v To ensure the successful implementation of ‘one country, two
systems’ and fill the hole in national security in Hong Kong,
improvement in the electoral system for selecting the CE and for
forming the LegCo is necessary.
v The principle of ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’ can ensure

effective maintenance of the constitutional order established
under the Constitution and the Basic Law, safeguarding national
sovereignty, security and development interests.

68
2.3 Importance of fair, honest and clean elections and

their implementation in Hong Kong
Election of the chairperson of class committee

69
1(a) How has Michael, an election candidate for chairperson of class

committee, behaved improperly?
Answer He bribes classmates to vote for him in the election (giving
out comic books, allowing a classmate to use the computer
for the class committee first).

70
1(b) What are the negative impacts of the improper behaviour?

Answer • Bribery leads to unfair competition. It would be difficult for
candidates who lack money to get elected. As a result, the
election fails to choose the best candidate.
• Letting classmates who vote for him to use the computer
first is an act of abusing power. Resources for the class
committee are not used properly or fairly. It may lead to
further corruption.

71
v Hong Kong’s elections are known for their fairness and

incorruptibility. The good electoral culture relies on the
government, politicians and the public, as well as the
supervision of the Electoral Affairs Commission.
v The Commission is responsible for monitoring the elections
of the CE, LegCo and the District Council (DC) members so
as to ensure that they are
conducted in an open,
fair and honest manner.

72
v Fair, honest and clean elections help elect people with

capabilities to fill public posts. They can fight for the best
welfare for the general public. Moreover, it strengthens
people’s confidence in elections. They would participate in
elections and other political affairs more actively.

73
Extended
Part Key Point 3 Youngsters’ right and propensity to vote
v According to the law, Hong Kong permanent residents

enjoy the right to vote and stand for election.
v All Hong Kong permanent residents aged 18 or above and
have registered as voters can vote in the LegCo and DC
elections.

74
Extended
Voter registration and propensity to vote among youngsters
Local newspapers (integrated report), 18/3/2019
± Info. 1: Youngsters’ participation in the 2016 LegCo Election

75
Extended
Local newspapers (integrated report), 20/5/2019
± Info. 2: Hong Kong Government’s measures in encouraging youngster’s participation in socio-political affairs

76
Extended
1 According to Info. 1, describe youngsters’s propensity to vote.
Answer • In the 2016 LegCo Election, youngsters aged 18 to 25

were about 10% of the total registered voters. They are
the minority. Their turnout rate was around 2% lower than
the overall turnout rate. This shows that youngsters’
propensity to vote is a little low.

77
Extended
2 In your opinion, how can the government enhance the propensity of

youngsters aged under 18 to register as voters and to vote in the future?
How would you prepare yourself so as to bear the responsibility of a
voter? With reference to Info. 2 and your own knowledge explain your
answer.
Answer • Government: Enhance publicity of voter registration and voting;
enhance civic education, etc.
• Individuals: Participate in social services so as to foster care
and understanding of social problems; learn more about
citizens’ rights and responsibilities as well as channels of socio-
political participation through civic education lessons in schools.
78
Extended
v Although the proportion of registered voters among youngsters

in 2016 was 6% higher than that in 2012, it is still lower than
Hong Kong’s total registration rate.
± Registration rates of youngsters aged 18 to 25 and total population (2012-2016)

79
Extended
v Regarding voting turnout rate, as shown in the following

diagram, the rates of youngsters in the LegCo elections were
lower than those of the electorate. This shows that youngsters’
propensity to vote still has room to grow.
± Turnout rates of youngsters aged 18 to 25 and electorate in LegCo elections (1998-2016)

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Module 22 Life

Hong Kong Government and I

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

On 1 July 2017, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the inauguration

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

2 Why are the principal officials of each term of the HKSAR

3 How do the arrangement of the inauguration ceremony and the

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Key Point 1 Decision-making process of the government

1.1 Source of power of the HKSAR

v The Basic Law states that Hong Kong ‘shall be a local

v The social unrest caused by the ‘extradition bill protests’ in June

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Key Point 1 Decision-making process of the government

v To ensure the implementation of the principle of ‘one country, two

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Key Point 1 Decision-making process of the government

v Pursuant to Article 7 of the Decision, the HKSAR Government

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Key Point 1 Decision-making process of the government

What is the philosophy of governing Hong Kong set out

± Articles extracted from the Constitution

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Key Point 1 Decision-making process of the government

± Articles extracted from the Basic Law

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Key Point 1 Decision-making process of the government

± Articles extracted from the Basic Law (cont’d)

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Key Point 1 Decision-making process of the government

± Articles extracted from the Basic Law (cont’d)

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Key Point 1 Decision-making process of the government

1 According to the Preamble and the articles of the General

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Key Point 1 Decision-making process of the government

2 How do the General Principles of the Basic Law explain the

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Key Point 1 Decision-making process of the government

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Key Point 1 Decision-making process of the government

3 According to the Constitution and the Basic Law, what is the

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Key Point 1 Decision-making process of the government

4 According to the Basic Law, what is the source of power of the

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Key Point 1 Decision-making process of the government

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Key Point 1 Decision-making process of the government

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Key Point 1 Decision-making process of the government

Central Evidence from

External affairs ü Chapter VII

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Key Point 1 Decision-making process of the government

Central Evidence from

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Key Point 1 Decision-making process of the government

Central Evidence from

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Key Point 1 Decision-making process of the government

Central Evidence from

Exploring Life and Society © Times Publishing (Hong Kong) Ltd.