依宪治国 (yi xian zhi guo): Governance according to Constitution

The Fourth Plenum of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which concluded last week, laid the road map for the rule of law in the country and emphasized the supremacy of the Constitution.

The plenum also earmarked Dec 4 as the National Constitution Day.

The core of the rule of law is governance according to the Constitution. This will make any action that violates the Constitution punishable under law.

It was also decided that the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress would supervise the implementation of the Constitution.

More channels will be made available for people to study the Constitution. Special classes will be introduced in schools to make students aware of the essence and importance of the Constitution. And civil servants will take oath on the Constitution before assuming their posts.

The plenum's emphasis on the Constitution will have far-reaching consequences and consolidate the foundation of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics.