1. Each hsien is a self-administrative unit. Its size and area are determined by customs and history but subject to the demarcation of the National Government.
2. There are three to six classes of hsien, classified according to area, population, and conditions of economy, culture, and communications. The classifications are to be worked out by the Provincial Government and subject to the approval of the Ministry of Interior.
3. Regulations governing hsien administration are to be promulgated by the National Government.
4. Each hsien is divided into hsiang, and each hsiang is further divided into pao and chia. If a hsien is too large, it may be first divided into ch'ü to be under the charge of several bureaus. Education institutions, police, public health and tariff offices should be distributed in accordance with above-mentioned divisions.
5. Each hsien and each hsiang is a legal person.
6. At the age of twenty, a man or woman of Chinese nationality, after living in the hsien for six months or more, or having possessed a residence for more than one year, is qualified as a citizen of that hsien. He or she has the right of suffrage, recall, initiative, and referendum in this hsien. The following persons are disqualified:
a. Those who are deprived of citizenship by the National Government.
b. Those who owe governmental money.
c. Those who have been imprisoned for [political] corruption[2] or forgery.
d. Those who are not allowed to possess personal property.
e. Those who are opium or other poisonous smokers.
B. THE Hsien GOVERNMENT (hsien chêng-fu)
7. There shall be one magistrate (hsien-chang) for each hsien. His duties are:
a. To supervise the local administration of the whole hsien under the control of the Provincial Government.
b. To carry out Provincial or Central Government orders under the supervision of the Provincial Government.