公民求助于信访反映问题,解决纠纷;政府通过信访与群众实现沟通,维护社会稳定。但信访态势力的发展使信访体制难以承受之重。走出信访制度困境要治本,要协调平衡好利益矛盾;另外还要治标,要进行政治体制的改良,建立公民诉求的体制性渠道;公民和政府要依法办事,并逐步强化司法的功能。 Citizens turned to letters and visits to help them reflect problems and resolve disputes; the government communicated with the masses through letters and visits and maintained social stability. However, the development of the power of petitioners makes the petition system unbearable. Out of the dilemma of the petition system, we must coordinate and balance the interests of the contradictions; in addition, we need to tackle the problem, improve the political system and establish institutional channels for citizens’ demands. Citizens and governments should act in accordance with the law and gradually strengthen their judicial functions.