The Second Session of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is to open in Beijing Tuesday.

The main functions of the CPPCC are to conduct political consultation, and exercise democratic supervision of the Constitution, other laws, regulations and major policies, and over the work of government agencies and their functionaries.

The CPPCC also participates in the discussion and handling of state affairs with the leadership of the Communist Party of China or CPC.

Members include CPC and non-Communist parties, people without party affiliation, and representatives of people's organizations, ethnic minorities and various social strata.

Most are political figures, social celebrities, and experts and scholars specializing in various fields.

The CPPCC has a National Committee and local committees. With a functioning term of five years, CPPCC committees hold annual sessions.

Xinhua News Agency correspondent reporting from Beijing.

(Xinhua News Agency March 2, 2009)