Government in Ancient China

Shang Dynasty King only controlled the area around the capital

area directly and divided his kingdom into smaller units of land called Feudal states. Ruled by feudal shi. The shi had to pay the king a tribute of grain and

precious gifts. People in the state had to provide food and labor to

the shi. In order to be allowed to farm the land and be protected by his army.

Feudalism lasted until Western Zhou Dynasty

Feudalism

Later part of Eastern Zhou Dynasty, shi fought among themselves for more land. King could no longer control them This was called period of Warring States. This

caused the northern China to break into several smaller kingdom.

Feudalism ended in 221 BCE, kingdoms were defeated and the first Chinese empire was created under Qin dynasty. This dynasty introduced the centralized Rule.

Feudalism

Period Type of Government Key Features

Shang Dynasty(1523 – 1027 BCE)

Feudalism Shi – Feudal states, pays tribute to the king and received goods. Gives farmland and protection.

Eastern Zhou Dynasty(771-221 BCE)

Breakdown of feudalism

Period of the Warring States. (Shi fought against themselves)

Qin Dynasty(221 – 206 BCE)

Unitary system of government (centralized rule)

Qin shihuang defeated other shi to create China’s first centralized empire.

From Feudalism to Centralized Rule

Removed feudal shi. Divided the land into 36 provinces. Representatives: military governor, civilian governor,

inspector to watch over the two governors. Standard law, system of measurement, coinage,

writing script across the empire – created sense of unity.

Strict and cruel. Execute lawbreaker’s entire family. Killed scholars who opposed him. After his death, the dynasty was overthrown within 4 yrs.

Imperial Unification under Qin Shihuang

Good rulers were called “Sons of Heaven” If he is not good. Natural disasters would be

interpreted as sign of the emperor’s losing the Mandate of Heaven

People felt the power to overthrow the ruler and change the government, bringing a new dynasty to power.

Mandate of Heaven

Before Han Dynasty, it is composed of the rich and powerful

Emperor Han Wudi, introduced the imperial Civil Service examination. Setup the 1st imperial university in 124 BCE to

teach law and history to the candidates. Those who does well are given positions. They

are called scholar-officials. By the end of the Han Dynasty, they grew about

130,000 scholar officials.

Changes in the Civil Service

Unitary Government

Mandate of Heaven

Civil Service

• Direct control over the provinces by the capital through governors and inspectors.

• Uniform laws, measurement, coins and script throughout the empire.

• Harsh punishments for disobedience.

• Belief that heaven blessed a wise and just ruler. – “Son of Heaven”

• People had the right to overthrow the ruler if they felt he was losing the Mandate

• Civil Services examination - Introduced by Han Wudi

• 124 BCE first imperial university was set up to prepare the candidates.

Key Features of Ancient China’s System of Government