In terms of cleavage formation, policy influence, public opinion changeling, interest representation, and control and oversight, the functions of Hong Kong's legislature underwent significant evolution after the early colonial era. Before the elections, the Legislative Council served as the venue for selective co-option. Institutional changes were seen after popularly elected members were included, and Legco's policy influence and interest representation were improved. Legco contributed through an interest aggregation role during the period between 1995 and 1997, when Legco's influence was at...

In terms of cleavage formation, policy influence, public opinion changeling, interest representation, and control and oversight, the functions of Hong Kong's legislature underwent significant evolution after the early colonial era. Before the elections, the Legislative Council served as the venue for selective co-option. Institutional changes were seen after popularly elected members were included, and Legco's policy influence and interest representation were improved. Legco contributed through an interest aggregation role during the period between 1995 and 1997, when Legco's influence was at its peak. Its influence was however weakened after 1997. Although there had been hopes that it may be able to bridge the gap between the society and the state, Hong Kong's maturity into a political society was hindered by its weakened role.