Under the five-power framework by Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China (R.O.C) , the National Assembly exercises political power on behalf of all people, while the five Yuans of the central government, namely, the Executive, the Legislative, the Judicial, the Examination and the Control Yuans, share the governing power. This model defines the Five-Power Constitution and the role of the Legislative Yuan.

The Constitution of the Republic of China stipulates that the Legislative Yuan shall be the supreme national legislature with its members elected by the people, it shall exercise the legislative power on behalf of the people. In terms of its power and function, the Legislative Yuan is equivalent to a parliament in other democracies.